On May 4, 2025, a Houthi missile struck near Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, escalating Middle East tensions. The Houthi missile attack injured eight people and disrupted global aviation. Consequently, Israel vowed retaliation, while the Houthis threatened more strikes. Therefore, this article, using multiple sources, examines the Houthi missile attack’s details, motives, and implications.

Anatomy of the Houthi Missile Attack

At 9:22 AM, sirens blared near Ben Gurion Airport as a Houthi “Palestine 2” missile landed by Terminal 3. It created a 25-meter crater, halting traffic. For instance, eight people were injured by shrapnel. Moreover, passengers fled to safe rooms as smoke rose. The IDF admitted failed interceptions due to a glitch. Thus, police showed the crater to reporters, noting minimal damage. Airlines like Air India suspended flights, diverting to Abu Dhabi.

Motives Behind the Houthi Missile Attack

The Houthi missile attack aimed to support Palestinians, per Houthi claims. Yahya Saree declared Israeli airports unsafe, planning more strikes. Additionally, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti boasted of hitting key targets. Iran-backed, the Houthis use Shehab-3 missiles, reaching 2,000 km. Despite U.S. strikes, their arsenal grows, as analysts note. Hence, the Houthi missile attack follows a 2024 strike, showing their threat.

Israel’s Response Strategy

Netanyahu blamed Iran for the Houthi missile attack, vowing to strike both parties. Similarly, Israel Katz promised a severe response. For example, the IDF mobilized reservists after hitting Yemen in 2024. Furthermore, the strike disrupted Gaza war plans. Critics noted the missile’s accuracy, exposing defense gaps. Therefore, calls for Iran strikes risk wider conflict. The Houthi missile attack may shift U.S.-Israel ties.

Aviation and Economic Fallout

The Houthi missile attack stopped flights, with Air India canceling routes. Consequently, El Al fares surged. Moreover, Ben Gurion’s trade role weakened. Gaza war costs strained Israel’s economy. Globally, Houthi Red Sea attacks threaten trade routes. Thus, oil prices may rise if strikes persist. The U.S.’s 1,000 Houthi strikes failed, as this attack shows.

Regional and Global Risks

The Houthi missile attack risks a regional war, with Iran’s role central. For instance, Iran warned of retaliation if attacked. Meanwhile, Hezbollah may escalate. The Gaza war drives Houthi actions, with no ceasefire. Additionally, a 2025 truce collapsed. Trump’s Houthi strikes proved ineffective, raising concerns. Therefore, diplomacy is urgent to curb the Gaza crisis and prevent attacks.

References

ABC News. (2025). Houthi Missile Strikes Near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, Injuring 8, Israel Says. ABCNews.go.com.

Al Jazeera. (2025). Israel’s Netanyahu Vows Response to Iran After Houthi Attack on Airport. AlJazeera.com.

BBC News. (2025). Netanyahu Vows Response After Houthi Missile Hits Near Israel’s Main Airport. BBC.com.

CNN. (2025). Israel Fails to Intercept Houthi Missile Targeting Its Main Airport. CNN.com.

Deutsche Welle. (2025). From Yemen, Houthis Strike Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. DW.com.