Today, a missile fired from Yemen landed near the main terminal of Israel’s Ben Gurion airport, sending shockwaves throughout the region. While unverified footage posted online showed drivers nearby taking cover as the projectile hit, four people were injured in the blast and two more suffered injuries while en route to a shelter.
The incident has sent a strong message from the Houthi rebels, an Iran-backed group based in Yemen, who have been launching missile attacks against Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza. However, it is rare for one of these missiles to successfully breach Israel’s sophisticated air defenses.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, promptly responded to the attack, stating that “Anyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times stronger.” Meanwhile, Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesperson, declared that the Israeli airport is “no longer safe for air travel.”
In an effort to maintain public safety and security, the airport was temporarily halted before reopening to flights. The Israeli Air Force has launched an investigation into the failure of its defenses to intercept the incoming missile.
Senior Israeli police commander Yair Hetzroni showed journalists a crater caused by the impact, emphasizing that despite its size, there was no significant damage to the surrounding area. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with ministers and defense officials today to discuss an appropriate response to this unprecedented attack.
The Houthi rebels have not only targeted Israeli soil but also launched attacks on ships in the Red Sea, prompting a bombing campaign led by the US, which the UK has assisted in.
As we continue to monitor the situation, it remains uncertain how Israel will respond to this rare breach of its defenses. One thing is clear, however: the incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and Yemen, with far-reaching implications for regional stability and security.
Sourced from https://www.bbc.com