(Israel, May 5) A missile launched from Yemen landed near Israel’s primary international hub, Ben Gurion Airport, on May 4, with no reports of major casualties. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant vowed a strong retaliation, while the Yemeni Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack.
According to foreign media, airport authorities stated that the missile fell on a road near Terminal 3’s parking area at Ben Gurion Airport.
The incident briefly disrupted operations at the airport, but authorities confirmed that flights have since resumed.
Israel’s emergency medical services reported that no one sustained serious injuries. Two individuals, a man and a woman with minor injuries, were sent to the hospital, while two others received on-site treatment for panic attacks.
AFP reported that Defense Minister Gallant issued a stern warning via a statement on May 4, asserting, “Whoever strikes us, we will retaliate sevenfold.”
The Israeli military earlier noted in a statement, “After multiple failed attempts to intercept the missile launched from Yemen, it landed in the vicinity of Ben Gurion Airport.”
Air raid sirens also sounded in Tel Aviv, Israel’s second-largest city, and other areas of the country. AFP journalists reported hearing explosions in the Jerusalem area and near Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
The Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi movement admitted to launching the missile, claiming it was an act of support for Palestinians in Gaza.
In their statement, the Houthis declared that they had conducted a military operation targeting Ben Gurion Airport using a “hypersonic ballistic missile.”