Israel vows retaliation after Houthi missile strike near Tel Aviv airport

Department of Research, Studies and International News 05-05-2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that his government will retaliate against Yemen’s Houthi rebels and their Iranian allies following a missile strike that landed near Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel’s main aviation hub.

The missile, which struck open land on the airport’s outskirts, was launched from Yemen by the Iran-backed Houthi movement. The Israeli military confirmed the missile’s origin, marking a rare successful strike from the group during the ongoing conflict. The attack occurred just hours before a crucial Israeli security cabinet meeting was scheduled to vote on intensifying military operations in Gaza.

Netanyahu issued statements on both X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram, affirming Israel’s intent to respond forcefully but strategically. “We have taken action against the Houthis in the past and we will continue to do so,” he said, hinting at a series of future military operations. “It will not happen in one bang, but there will be many bangs.”

The missile, which left a sizable crater near the airport’s perimeter, caused brief chaos. Panic spread among travelers inside the terminal, and flight operations were temporarily suspended. Although no direct hit on airport infrastructure occurred, the incident has raised alarm over the vulnerability of Israel’s air defense systems. Reports from Israeli media suggest that both Israeli and U.S.-supported interception systems failed to neutralize the threat, prompting a broader investigation.

The Houthi attack also forced several international airlines to suspend their flights to and from Tel Aviv. Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Air France, and Ryanair all cancelled scheduled services for safety reasons. Many of these airlines had only recently resumed operations following a brief ceasefire between Israel and Hamas earlier this year.

This latest escalation comes amid heightened discussions within the Israeli leadership about renewing and expanding its military campaign in Gaza. According to military officials, tens of thousands of reservists have already been mobilized, although no official timeline for new operations has been disclosed.

The planned escalation is part of a broader strategy to pressure Hamas into releasing remaining hostages, dismantle the group’s military capabilities, and secure strategic ground to leverage in any future negotiations. Far-right members of Netanyahu’s cabinet have long been advocating for a more aggressive stance in Gaza.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s national security minister, reiterated his call for a forceful campaign, including controversial proposals such as targeting Gaza’s remaining infrastructure, including food and power supplies. “We must intensify the fight until we secure absolute victory,” he stated in a radio interview.

Since imposing a strict blockade two months ago, Israel has largely halted the entry of food, fuel, and medical supplies into Gaza. Humanitarian agencies have reported severe shortages and mass displacement. Israeli officials maintain that Hamas is diverting aid for its military needs, a claim Hamas denies.

Despite international calls for restraint, Israeli airstrikes continue daily across the Gaza Strip. On Sunday, at least seven Palestinians, including a family with two young children, were killed in targeted strikes in the southern and central parts of the enclave. The Israeli military also confirmed the deaths of two soldiers during the same period, bringing the total number of troops killed since fighting resumed in March to six.

The war in Gaza began following a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel in October, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and the capture of around 250 hostages. Israeli authorities now believe 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with as many as 35 feared dead.

The human cost of the Israeli offensive has been staggering. Over 52,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, most of them civilians, and more than 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, often repeatedly. A critical lack of food and essential services has also triggered widespread looting and social collapse.

The recent Houthi strike underscores the regional scope of the Gaza conflict. The Yemeni rebel group, which holds significant territory in Yemen and receives substantial backing from Iran, has been targeting Israel and shipping routes in the Red Sea since late 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians.

In response, Israel conducted three major air raids last year, targeting Houthi military facilities, airports, and power infrastructure. Meanwhile, the U.S. has also taken action: former President Donald Trump ordered extensive airstrikes against Houthi positions in March, aiming to disrupt their ability to threaten maritime routes and Israeli territory.

On Sunday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that Ben Gurion Airport “is no longer a secure travel route,” reinforcing the group’s intent to escalate their regional involvement. The Israel Airports Authority confirmed that this was the closest a missile has come to directly striking the airport’s critical infrastructure. Israel’s emergency services treated at least six people for injuries caused by debris and panic during the incident.

As the regional security situation grows more precarious, Israel faces mounting pressure to contain threats on multiple fronts while managing an increasingly complex and devastating war in Gaza.