Did Yemen's Houthis Just Target Israel's Ben Gurion Airport with a Missile?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Houthi missile attacks are escalating tensions in the region.
- Israel's defense systems are actively intercepting threats.
- The conflict has significant implications for air travel safety.
- The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains a focal point for the Houthis.
- Retaliatory strikes from Israel are likely to continue.
Sanaa, July 19 (NationPress) The Houthi group from Yemen has taken responsibility for a recent missile strike involving a new hypersonic ballistic missile aimed at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, which was reportedly intercepted by Israeli defense mechanisms.
In a statement broadcast on Houthi-operated al-Masirah TV, military spokesperson Yahya Sarea declared, "The missile attack was conducted to support the beleaguered Palestinian populace in Gaza," emphasizing that the operation met its intended objective late Friday night.
Sarea further stated, "Our missile strikes will persist until the onslaught on Gaza ceases and the blockade is lifted," urging Arabs and Muslims to assist the Palestinian people in Gaza by providing food and breaking the blockade.
The Israeli Defence Forces noted via social media that their defense systems successfully intercepted the missile, which activated sirens throughout Israel and temporarily disrupted air traffic, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
No injuries were reported.
This missile strike marked the second in a 48-hour span, following another attack by the Houthis on Wednesday night, which was also intercepted. This incident represents the seventh missile launched by the Houthis toward Israel within this month.
The ongoing missile launches from Yemen have effectively established a partial air embargo over Israeli airspace, prompting international airlines to postpone flights to and from Israel.
Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October 2023, Houthi forces have targeted Israel with numerous missiles and drones in a show of solidarity with the Palestinians. While many of these projectiles have been intercepted or missed their marks, Israel has retaliated with a series of strikes on Yemeni ports and other infrastructures.
In a related incident on Monday, the United Kingdom reported that at least four crew members aboard the Liberia-flagged ship Eternity-C were killed in attacks on the Red Sea attributed to Yemen's Houthi group last week, with several others still unaccounted for.