Did Yemen's Houthis Just Launch Another Missile Attack on Israel's Ben Gurion Airport?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Houthis have intensified missile attacks against Israel.
- Ben Gurion Airport is a key target in their operations.
- Israeli defense systems reportedly intercepted the latest missile.
- The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties in Gaza.
- Recent ceasefire agreements with the U.S. do not halt Houthi actions against Israel.
Sanaa/Jerusalem, May 16 (NationPress) The Houthi group from Yemen has announced that it executed a fresh ballistic missile strike targeting Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel, which was reportedly intercepted by Israeli defense systems.
According to the military spokesperson Yahya Sarea, the operation involved a hypersonic ballistic missile and was described as a qualitative military action aimed at the airport. This statement was broadcasted on the Houthi-operated al-Masirah TV.
Sarea emphasized that the Houthis' operations are intended to restrict air traffic at Ben Gurion Airport until Israel ceases its military actions and blockade against the Gaza Strip, as reported by Xinhua.
Earlier that evening, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed they had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen.
In response to the launch, the IDF alerted residents in central Israel through a smartphone application. Shortly after, sirens sounded, prompting residents to seek shelter.
Israel's national emergency service, Magen David Adom, reported no casualties, although there were instances of panic and minor injuries as people rushed for safety.
Footage released by Israel's state-owned Kan TV News showed remnants of the missile falling in the Israeli settlement of Alon Shvut, located in the West Bank.
The Houthis have escalated their attacks on Israel following a ceasefire agreement with Washington last week. In this deal, the Houthis committed to refrain from targeting U.S. warships in the Red Sea in exchange for a halt in U.S. airstrikes against their forces in Yemen.
On Wednesday, the Israeli military instructed Yemeni residents to evacuate the ports of Ras Isa, Al-Hudaydah, and Salif in anticipation of potential airstrikes.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have been targeting vessels in the Red and Arabian Seas, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where over 52,900 lives have been lost due to a prolonged Israeli assault, predominantly affecting women and children.
The group had paused its attacks when a ceasefire was declared in January between Israel and Hamas but resumed following renewed Israeli airstrikes in Gaza in March.
Last week, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi announced a ceasefire between the Houthis and the U.S. administration, shortly after President Donald Trump mentioned the Houthis' commitment to cease attacks on commercial vessels.
While the Houthis confirmed the ceasefire with Washington, they clarified that this agreement does not pertain to their ongoing conflict with Israel in support of the Palestinian people.