Did Yemen's Houthis Really Launch Attacks on Israeli Airports?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Houthis claimed missile strikes on Israeli airports.
- Israeli defense systems reportedly intercepted the missile attacks.
- The conflict in Gaza serves as a backdrop for the Houthi military actions.
- Warnings were issued to international airlines regarding safety in the region.
- Recent weeks have seen an increase in Houthi military activity against Israel.
Sanaa, May 23 (NationPress) The Houthi group from Yemen has announced that it executed a missile strike aimed at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, which was reportedly thwarted by Israeli defense systems. A second missile attack was also launched towards Israel around noon.
Yahya Sarea, the military spokesperson for the Houthis, claimed responsibility for the pre-dawn missile attack in a broadcast by al-Masirah TV, which is operated by the Houthis.
Earlier reports from Israeli TV Channel 13 indicated that the missile launched from Yemen before dawn was intercepted successfully.
In addition, Sarea asserted that two drone strikes were carried out, targeting a “crucial site” in Tel Aviv and another in Haifa, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
However, Sarea did not provide further details or evidence for these drone attacks, and Israeli defense forces have yet to comment.
Sarea warned that the group would escalate attacks on Israel if the ongoing offensive and blockade against the Gaza Strip persists.
Shortly after Sarea concluded the statement, the Israeli military reported another missile fired from Yemen at noon.
This incident marked the second missile attack by the Houthis within just hours on that Thursday.
The Houthis, who exert control over large parts of northern Yemen, cautioned earlier this week that all international airlines and shipping companies should refrain from operating to Ben Gurion Airport and Haifa port until Israel ceases its military operations against the Palestinian population in Gaza.
Sarea claimed the latest strike successfully disrupted airport operations for about an hour and forced “millions of occupying Zionists” into shelters.
Additionally, the Houthis reported drone attacks on two locations in Jaffa and Haifa utilizing “Yafa” drones.
The Houthis characterized this military action as a response to Israeli aggressions in Gaza, where approximately 53,700 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives, according to Houthi sources.
“The horrific massacres against men, women, and children necessitate immediate action from the Islamic community,” Sarea stated, pledging further escalations until the conflict concludes.
The Israeli military confirmed the missile launch, asserting that their air defenses intercepted it before any damage was inflicted.
Army spokesperson Avichay Adraee remarked that the missile prompted sirens in central Israel but led to no casualties.
Recently, the Houthis have increased their missile and drone assaults on Israeli targets in retaliation for the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes targeting critical infrastructures in Yemen, including the Sanaa airport.