A ballistic missile launched from Yemen has struck near Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport this morning, wounding several people and disrupting hundreds of flights.
The launch triggered air-raid sirens across central Israel, including in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the Shfela region. Several attempts were made to intercept the missile, according to the IDF.
The projectile reportedly landed near Terminal 3, causing panic at Israel’s main international gateway.
A 50-year-old man was moderately injured, while two women aged 54 and 32 respectively sustained minor injuries according to Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service.
Elissa Wald, who was in the airport at the time, said: “There was another siren and this time, I was in a crowd of people, all of whom were trying to rush down a frozen escalator to the designated safe area with cumbersome luggage.
“While I was mid-escalator, right next to a huge glass wall, there was a terrifying boom. Admittedly very frightening since I had no idea what it was and I was trapped next to a wall of windows.
“Now everyone at the airport is locked in. No telling when we'll leave. The soldier assigned to my group cracked: Welcome to the Israel experience.’”
Police and emergency personnel quickly cordoned off the scene, while fire crews were dispatched to ensure there was no additional risk to airport infrastructure.
The chairman of the Ben-Gurion Airport workers’ union said one person suffered a minor injury in the vicinity of Terminal 3, and that authorities are investigating whether further safety procedures will impact upcoming flights.
Israeli Police are actively searching for additional fragments and possible hazardous materials linked to the projectile.
“We urge the public to remain close to protected areas and not to approach or touch any suspicious debris. Officers from the Central District are sweeping the Shfela region for any further signs of impact," a police spokesperson said.
In the wake of the strike, Ben-Gurion Airport halted all takeoffs and landings for approximately 30 minutes, forcing at least three inbound aircraft to remain airborne. While airport officials have since announced the resumption of activity, significant delays are expected throughout the day.
Despite air traffic gradually resuming, police confirmed that entrances to the airport remain blocked as emergency teams continue working at the scene.
In a short statement, defence minister Israel Katz said simply: “Whoever harms us, we will strike them sevenfold.”
And National Unity party chairman Benny Gantz gave an indication of who Katz may have in mind, blaming Tehran rather than Yemen for the attack.
“This is not Yemen – this is Iran. It is Iran that is firing ballistic missiles at the State of Israel, and it must bear responsibility,” Gantz wrote on X.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to meet with top security officials and convene the cabinet later today to discuss the response to the strike.
Options are reported to include direct retaliation against Houthi assets in Yemen.
This marks the latest escalation by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen, who in recent months have repeatedly launched long-range ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli territory, targeting strategic sites including ports, military bases, and now, the country’s main international airport.
The group has seemingly threatened further action, with senior Houthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti telling Al-Araby that commanders have “no red lines” when it comes to Israel.
