Hypersonic Missile Hits Near Tel Aviv Airport

TEL AVIV — A hypersonic ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi forces struck near Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday, marking a dramatic escalation in regional tensions. The strike wounded six people, created a massive crater near Terminal 3, and temporarily halted all flights at Israel’s busiest travel hub.

Houthi Claim and Missile Impact

The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating their missile force “carried out a military operation targeting Ben Gurion Airport.” A police video confirmed a wide and deep crater near the airport’s largest terminal, though airport infrastructure remained undamaged.

“This is the first time a missile has fallen so close to the terminal and the runways,” said the Israel Airports Authority.

The missile, believed to be hypersonic, bypassed Israel’s advanced air defense systems, prompting concerns over the country’s vulnerability. “Several attempts were made to intercept the missile,” the Israeli military admitted.

Government Reactions: Israel Points to Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Iran directly, declaring:

“Attacks by the Houthis emanate from Iran. Israel will respond to the Houthi attack against our main airport AND, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters.”

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed the sentiment, warning of a response “seven times stronger.”

Flight Disruptions and Panic

The attack led to widespread panic at Ben Gurion Airport. Sirens blared shortly before the strike at around 9:35 AM local time, causing passengers and staff to seek shelter in bunkers. An Air India flight was diverted to Abu Dhabi, while other carriers, including Lufthansa Group airlines, suspended Tel Aviv flights until May 6.

“Today was a close call,” said one airline official. “Even I was afraid — and I’ve worked here for years.”

Flights resumed later in the day, and the aviation authority confirmed the airport is now fully operational.

Escalation and Gaza War Developments

The missile strike comes amid reports that Israel’s security cabinet is planning a large-scale military escalation in Gaza. Media outlets report that tens of thousands of Israeli reservists are being called up to relieve forces currently deployed in the West Bank — potentially in preparation for a broader Gaza campaign.

This marks the fourth Houthi strike in just three days, as the Iran-backed group intensifies its support for Palestinian factions. Hamas and Islamic Jihad have publicly praised the strike on Israel’s international gateway.

U.S. Involvement and Red Sea Tensions

The United States has continued near-daily airstrikes on Houthi positions since mid-March, following resumed Houthi threats to target Red Sea shipping over Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

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