A missile launched from Yemen struck near the main terminal of Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday morning, BBC reports citing Israeli officials.
Unverified footage circulating online appeared to show motorists pulling over and taking cover as the projectile landed, producing a plume of black smoke close to the airport, located near Tel Aviv.
According to Israeli media citing emergency services, four people were injured in the explosion, while two others sustained injuries while heading to a shelter.
In response to the incident, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated, “Anyone who hits us, we will strike back seven times harder.”
Flight operations at the airport were briefly suspended but have since resumed.
As the missile neared Israeli airspace, warning sirens were activated in several areas. The Israeli Air Force has launched an investigation into why the missile was not intercepted.
Local media shared footage showing a large crater at the impact site.
The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran and based in Yemen, have frequently launched missiles toward Israel in support of Hamas amid the conflict in Gaza. However, it is uncommon for such projectiles to penetrate Israel’s air defence systems.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have also targeted commercial vessels in the Red Sea, prompting retaliatory airstrikes from the United States, with the United Kingdom joining the campaign.
