A missile launched by Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen briefly halted flights and commuter traffic at Israel’s main international airport.

On May 4, 2025, a missile, reportedly fired by Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, struck alarmingly close to Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel. The missile hit an area just 75 meters from Terminal 3, creating a 25-meter deep crater in a grove adjacent to an access road within the airport's perimeter. This attack is significant as it marks a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict around Israeli airspace, causing temporary panic among passengers and a brief halt to flights and commuter traffic. According to Israeli authorities, several attempts to intercept the missile were unsuccessful, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in Israel's air defense systems, despite being considered one of the most sophisticated in the world. In the aftermath of the strike, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning of 'retribution' against those who threaten Israeli sovereignty, indicating that Israel may have to reassess its military strategies and responses to the Houthi attacks. The recent strike falls within a broader context of sustained Houthi missile attacks on Israel, signaling their capability to conduct long-range strikes—a development attributed to Iranian support and technology transfer over the years. The Houthis have been vocal about their ambitions, stating that there are 'no red lines' in their confrontation with Israel, which could suggest an ongoing threat to international air travel and regional stability. Several airlines have already cancelled flights following the incident, indicating the immediate economic repercussions of such military actions. The Israeli military's inability to intercept the missile raises questions about the effectiveness of the Iron Dome and other defense systems in the face of sophisticated and potentially evolving missile threats. It reflects a strategic challenge not just for Israel but also for the U.S., which backs Israeli operations and has been involved in broader campaigns against Houthi forces. Furthermore, the geopolitical landscape is shifting, with the Houthis increasingly asserting themselves and showcasing their capabilities, drawing direct lines to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and beyond. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how Israel will respond militarily and diplomatically to the Houthi threat, especially considering international perspectives and humanitarian implications stemming from the conflict in Gaza. This incident could potentially act as a catalyst for further escalations in the already volatile security situation in the region, prompting responses that may affect a broader coalition of Middle Eastern states and their policies toward Iran and its proxies.