Sun May 04 14:21:33 UTC 2025: ## Israel Vows Retaliation After Houthi Missile Strikes Near Ben Gurion Airport
**Tel Aviv, Israel –** A Houthi missile landed near Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international airport, on Sunday, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to vow multiple retaliatory strikes against the Iran-backed group. The missile, which reportedly bypassed Israel’s air defense systems, created a 25-meter deep crater just 75 meters from Terminal 3, causing panic and injuring at least eight people.
Netanyahu, in a video posted to X (formerly Twitter), declared that Israel’s response would not be a “one-and-done” operation, stating, “We have acted in the past, and we will act in the future.” He added that the United States is coordinating with Israel on the response. Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed the sentiment, promising a forceful response, stating, “Whoever harms us, we’ll harm them sevenfold.”
The Houthis, claiming responsibility for the attack, said it was in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and declared Ben Gurion Airport unsafe for air travel. The attack comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, with ongoing military operations in Gaza and faltering attempts to revive a ceasefire.
The missile’s successful penetration of Israel’s air defense systems – including the THAAD and Arrow systems – has prompted a full-scale investigation. The incident raises serious questions about the effectiveness of Israel’s defense capabilities.
The attack follows earlier US-led strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, aimed at reducing their capabilities. The Houthis began targeting Israel and Red Sea shipping in late 2023, coinciding with the initial stages of the conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. The current situation highlights the increasingly interconnected nature of regional conflicts and the ongoing challenges to achieving peace and stability in the Middle East.
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