Houthi Missile Strike Disrupts Flights at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport

BEN GURION INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Israel — A missile fired by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen struck near Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday morning, causing panic among passengers and briefly grounding flights.

The missile impact occurred around 9:30 a.m. local time, prompting air raid sirens in various areas across Israel. Witnesses reported a plume of smoke rising near the airport’s main terminal as passengers rushed for cover. Israeli police stated that the missile landed in a field close to an access road, leaving a deep crater and littering the area with debris.

In the aftermath of the attack, Israel’s emergency services reported that four individuals suffered minor injuries. The Israel Airports Authority confirmed that normal airport operations resumed approximately one hour after flights were halted. However, major airlines, including Lufthansa and Delta, canceled several flights scheduled for Sunday.

Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the missile strike, describing it as a hypersonic ballistic missile targeting the airport in solidarity with Palestinians. This strike comes as Israel’s government was preparing to discuss plans for increased military operations in Gaza.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned the attack, stating, “Whoever harms us, we will harm them sevenfold.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also issued a warning, attributing the attack to Iranian influence over the Houthis and pledging a robust retaliation.

As tensions escalate, the Israeli military has formally called up thousands of reservists, anticipating an expanded operation in Gaza where fighting has intensified since the conflict resumed in March 2025.

The IDF later confirmed that initial investigations indicated a technical issue with the interceptor system during the launch. The missile marked a significant moment as it was the first projectile successfully making it through Israeli defenses since the renewed fighting began.

Emergency personnel continue to work at the scene as debris is cleared and investigations are ongoing. Despite the chaos, life around the airport is returning to normal, although several airlines remain cautious in their operations.