Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate against Houthi forces in Yemen and their ally, Iran, following a missile attack near an Israeli international airport.
In a statement on the Prime Minister’s official account on X, Netanyahu declared that “attacks by the Houthis emanate from Iran” and promised a response “at a time and place of our choosing.”
The missile, launched by the Houthis, struck a driveway leading to the main terminal of Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Despite attempts by Israeli and U.S.-deployed aerial defense systems, the missile was not intercepted.
The attack resulted in four minor injuries and caused damage to the airport facilities. In the aftermath, several international airlines, including Air Europa, Swiss International Air Lines, Lufthansa, ITA Airways, and Brussels Airlines, canceled flights to and from Israel.
The Houthis have intensified missile and drone attacks in recent weeks amid renewed U.S. airstrikes on their positions in Yemen. On the same day, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea announced a “comprehensive air blockade” against Israel, urging international airlines to cancel all flights to Israeli airports.
“We announce a comprehensive air blockade on the Israeli enemy in response to its decision to expand its aggression against Gaza,” Sarea said in a statement aired by the group’s al-Masirah TV channel.
The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have been targeting Israel since November in what they describe as solidarity with Palestinians amid the war in Gaza. They have stated they would halt their attacks if Israel ends its military campaign and allows humanitarian aid into the enclave.
Meanwhile, Israel has intensified its ground and air operations in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least 20 Palestinians, including women and children, according to local authorities.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that its troops continued “operational activity” to dismantle militant infrastructure and eliminate operatives. The Israeli Air Force struck over 100 targets across the Gaza Strip, including tunnels, underground sites, and military structures.
Israel’s military has also begun issuing “tens of thousands” of call-up orders for reservists to intensify its offensive in Gaza. “We are increasing pressure in order to bring our hostages home and to defeat Hamas,” said Eyal Zamir, Chief of the General Staff of the IDF.
Gaza health authorities reported that at least 2,436 people have been killed and 6,450 wounded since Israel renewed its offensive. The overall death toll since the conflict began now stands at 52,535, with more than 118,000 people injured.
