Yemeni armed forces launched a hypersonic missile at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv on August 27, 2025, claiming a direct hit that disrupted operations and sent millions to shelters. The attack, using a weapon called Palestine 2, came as a response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, according to Yemeni officials.
Details of the Missile Strike
Yemeni forces targeted the airport with what they described as a advanced hypersonic ballistic missile. This type of weapon travels at speeds faster than sound, making it hard to intercept.
Reports indicate the missile covered over 2,000 kilometers from Yemen to reach its target near Tel Aviv. Air raid sirens sounded across central Israel, leading to a temporary shutdown of airport activities.
Israeli defenses tried to counter the threat, but Yemeni spokespeople insist the missile evaded systems and achieved its goal. Eyewitness accounts from the area described loud explosions and chaos as people rushed for cover.
No immediate casualties were reported, but the incident heightened tensions in the region. Flights at Ben Gurion, a major hub handling millions of passengers yearly, faced delays for hours.
Yemeni Claims and Statements
Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesman for the Yemeni armed forces, issued a statement confirming the operation. He called it a special military action against what Yemen sees as occupied territories.
Saree highlighted the missile’s success in bypassing Israeli air defenses. He stressed that the strike honored Palestinian fighters and reacted to alleged crimes in Gaza.
The Yemeni side also mentioned using drones in related attacks on other Israeli sites, including areas in Jaffa and Ashkelon. These combined efforts aimed to pressure Israel amid the broader Middle East unrest.
In his remarks, Saree urged the Arab and Islamic world to act against the Gaza situation. He pointed to global reports on hunger and siege there, calling for collective responsibility.
Impact on Israeli Operations
The missile alert forced Ben Gurion Airport to halt takeoffs and landings briefly. This disruption affected thousands of travelers and caused economic ripples.
Israeli media reported that over two million people in central areas sought shelter during the sirens. The event underscored vulnerabilities in Israel’s defense network against long-range threats.
Here is a quick look at the immediate effects:
- Airport closure lasted about an hour, leading to flight reroutes.
- Sirens activated without prior warning in some spots, increasing public anxiety.
- No confirmed damage to the airport structure, but investigations continue.
- Boosted military alertness across Israel, with more patrols in key cities.
Local businesses near Tel Aviv felt the strain, with some closing early due to safety concerns. The stock market saw a slight dip in response to the news.
Experts note this attack fits a pattern of escalating Houthi actions, which have targeted Israeli assets multiple times in 2025.
Reasons for the Attack
Yemen’s Houthis, who control much of the country, have tied their strikes to solidarity with Palestinians. They view the Gaza conflict as a genocide involving starvation and aggression.
The group has launched similar missiles before, often naming them after Palestine to symbolize support. This latest one responds to recent escalations in Gaza, where over 40,000 deaths have been reported since October 2023.
Yemeni leaders argue that such actions pressure Israel and its allies to end the blockade. They also criticize international inaction, calling for broader Arab involvement.
Broader factors include Yemen’s civil war and Iran’s backing of the Houthis, adding layers to the regional dynamics. The strikes aim to divert attention and resources from Gaza.
Timeline of Recent Yemeni Attacks on Israel
To understand the pattern, here is a table showing key incidents in 2025:
| Date | Target | Weapon Used | Claimed Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 23 | Ben Gurion Airport | Palestine 2 Missile | Airport operations halted |
| July 1 | Tel Aviv Military Site | Hypersonic Missile | Drones and missile combo |
| June 10 | Ashkelon Area | Ballistic Missile | Sirens and shelter rushes |
| April 15 | Jaffa Region | Drones | Minor disruptions reported |
This timeline shows a steady increase in frequency and sophistication of attacks.
Broader Regional Implications
The strike raises fears of wider conflict in the Middle East. Yemen’s actions have drawn responses from Israel, including airstrikes on Houthi positions.
Neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia watch closely, given their own history with Yemen. The U.S. has condemned the attacks and bolstered support for Israeli defenses.
Analysts warn that continued escalations could disrupt global shipping, as Houthis have targeted Red Sea routes before. Oil prices edged up slightly after the news.
Peace efforts in Gaza remain stalled, with this incident potentially complicating negotiations. It highlights how distant conflicts interconnect in the region.
Global Reactions and Next Steps
World leaders expressed concern over the attack. The United Nations called for restraint from all sides to avoid further violence.
Human rights groups echoed Yemen’s points on Gaza, urging aid and ceasefires. Social media buzzed with debates, showing divided opinions on the strike’s justification.
As tensions simmer, observers expect possible retaliatory moves from Israel. Diplomatic channels may activate to de-escalate.
What do you think about this development? Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word to keep the conversation going.
