Houthis claim hypersonic missile strike on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport

Yemeni Houthis from the Ansar Allah movement have claimed responsibility for a hypersonic missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport, located near Tel Aviv, Israel.

According to a report by Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the Yemeni armed forces, announced that the Houthis conducted four separate military operations.

He stated that a hypersonic ballistic missile named Palestine 2 was launched at Ben Gurion Airport.

Additionally, Saree mentioned that three drones targeted Israeli locations in Jaffa, Ashkelon, and Eilat as part of the other operations.

The Houthis, known for their slogan “Death to America, Death to Israel, [and] a Curse on the Jews,” act as an Iranian proxy and began launching attacks against Israel and maritime traffic in November 2023. This escalation followed the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 civilians.

Since the ceasefire ended on March 18 and the Israeli Defence Forces resumed operations against Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis have launched over 50 ballistic missiles and at least 13 drones targeting Israel. However, several missiles have fallen short of their intended targets.

The group last fired a missile at Israel on June 28, just days after a ceasefire was reached between Iran and Israel following their 12-day conflict. After yesterday's missile launch, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to the Houthis.

“Yemen will be treated like Tehran. After striking the head of the snake in Tehran, we will also strike the Houthis in Yemen,” Katz declared, adding, “Whoever raises a hand against Israel — that hand will be cut off.”

In May, US President Donald Trump reached an agreement with the Houthis, whereby the US would cease attacks on the rebel group in exchange for a halt to their targeting of American vessels. This deal came two days after a Houthi missile landed within Ben Gurion Airport grounds, leading most foreign airlines to suspend service to Israel, with most not returning since.

By Tamilla Hasanova