Did Yemen's Houthis Launch a Retaliatory Missile Attack on Ben Gurion Airport?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Yemen's Houthis have claimed responsibility for a missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport, citing retaliation against Israeli actions in Sanaa. This incident reflects broader regional conflicts and raises serious questions about security and international relations in the Middle East.
Key Takeaways
- Houthi missile strike targeted Ben Gurion Airport.
- Retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in Yemen.
- Israeli defenses intercepted the missile.
- Escalation of regional tensions.
- Houthi attacks linked to Israel-Hamas conflict.
Sanaa, Aug 18 (NationPress) The Houthi movement from Yemen has declared that it has fired a hypersonic ballistic missile at Ben Gurion Airport situated near Tel Aviv in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike targeting a power facility in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.
In a televised statement on the movement's al-Masirah TV, military spokesperson Yahya Sarea announced that the missile successfully accomplished its mission, prompting millions of Israelis to “seek shelter and halt operations at the airport.”
Sarea emphasized that the strike was a direct response to Israel's alleged “crimes of genocide and starvation in Gaza” alongside its “aggression against Yemen.”
According to a statement from the Israeli military, they intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, triggering alarms nationwide, as reported by Xinhua.
No injuries or damage were reported.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, as quoted by Channel 12, mentioned that earlier that day, the military had targeted infrastructure in Houthi-controlled areas, including a power facility in southern Sanaa.
Authorities in Sanaa indicated that Israeli strikes destroyed electrical generators at the Hezyaz power station in southern Sanaa.
No casualties have been documented.
This site has faced frequent attacks since the previous year.
The Houthis, who govern much of northern Yemen, have executed drone and missile assaults on Israel since November 2023, framing these actions as solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Most projectiles have been intercepted by Israeli defense systems.
In retaliation, Israel has conducted strikes on Houthi territories, targeting airports, power plants, and ports in Sanaa and Hodeidah.
Just two days prior to the missile incident on August 15, the Houthis proclaimed they had executed four drone strikes aimed at Haifa, Negev, Eilat, and Be’er Sheva, reportedly deploying six drones.
Sarea asserted that those attacks also met their objectives and were similarly portrayed as acts of support for Palestinians.
In July 2025, the Houthis recommenced attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, targeting vessels they allege are associated with Israel.
These actions are part of their wider campaign to compel Israel to cease military operations in Gaza.
The Houthis’ ongoing strikes on Israeli territory and interests—both on land and at sea—highlight the increasing regional ramifications of the Israel-Hamas conflict, involving militant factions from across the Middle East.
Despite Israel’s defense mechanisms largely mitigating these threats, these events have escalated tensions and complicated international diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.
Point of View
It is vital to approach this unfolding situation with a balanced perspective. The actions taken by the Houthis, framed as a retaliatory measure, must be examined within the broader context of the ongoing violence in Gaza and Yemen. While the Houthis assert their strikes are a show of solidarity with Palestinians, the escalation of military actions does not bode well for peace efforts in the region.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Houthi missile attack?
The Houthi missile attack was reportedly in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on a power station in Sanaa, Yemen.
What was the outcome of the missile strike?
The missile was intercepted by Israeli defense systems, and no casualties or damages were reported.
How has Israel responded to Houthi attacks?
Israel has conducted retaliatory strikes against Houthi-controlled areas targeting infrastructure like airports and power stations.
What has been the impact of these events on regional tensions?
These incidents have heightened tensions in the region and complicated international diplomatic efforts for de-escalation.
What are the broader implications of the Houthi attacks?
The ongoing attacks by the Houthis underscore the growing involvement of various militant groups in the Israel-Hamas conflict, further destabilizing the region.
