Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed they fired a hypersonic ballistic missile at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on August 18, 2025, in response to Israeli strikes on Yemen. The group’s spokesperson said the attack suspended airport operations, but Israel reported intercepting the missile with no damage or injuries.
Houthi Announcement and Attack Details
The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, announced the strike through their military spokesperson Yahya Saree on Al Masirah television. He described the operation as a targeted hit using a Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missile aimed at what they call Lod Airport, another name for Ben Gurion.
Saree stated the missile reached its target despite Israeli defenses, forcing millions to seek shelter and halting flights. This claim fits a pattern of Houthi actions tied to the Gaza conflict, where they vow to continue until Israel stops its operations.
Experts note hypersonic missiles travel faster than five times the speed of sound, making them hard to intercept. Recent reports suggest Yemen’s forces have upgraded their arsenal with help from allies, boosting range over 2,000 kilometers.
Israeli Military Response
Israel’s Defense Forces confirmed intercepting a missile from Yemen early on August 18, 2025. No sirens sounded in Tel Aviv, and officials reported zero casualties or harm to infrastructure.
Before the Houthi claim, Israel bombed energy sites near Sanaa, Yemen’s capital under rebel control. The strike hit the Haziz power plant, causing a brief fire that crews quickly contained. Israel called this a direct reply to ongoing threats.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stressed that such actions protect citizens and key sites like Ben Gurion, a major hub handling over 20 million passengers yearly.
- Key Israeli defenses involved: Iron Dome and Arrow systems, which have intercepted most incoming threats from Yemen since 2023.
- Reported impacts: No disruptions to airport traffic, contrary to Houthi statements.
Background of the Yemen-Israel Tensions
Tensions escalated after the Gaza conflict began in October 2023. Houthis declared they would target Israel and linked ships in the Red Sea to pressure Tel Aviv over its fight against Hamas.
Since then, rebels have launched dozens of missiles and drones at Israel, with some getting close to populated areas. A notable incident in May 2025 saw a missile land near Ben Gurion, damaging vehicles but no lives lost.
Israel has retaliated multiple times, bombing Houthi ports and facilities. The U.S. and allies have joined strikes to curb threats to global shipping lanes.
This cycle has disrupted trade, with shipping costs rising 20 percent in the region due to rerouting around Africa.
Impacts on Travel and Security
The claimed attack raises concerns for air travel in the Middle East. Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s busiest, connects to over 100 destinations worldwide.
If operations paused as Houthis say, it could affect thousands of travelers. Flight trackers showed minor delays on August 18, but full details remain unclear.
Security experts warn of rising risks. One analyst pointed out that repeated threats might lead to higher insurance rates for airlines flying to Israel.
| Date | Event | Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2023 | Gaza conflict starts, Houthis vow attacks | Yemen/Israel | Initial missile launches begin |
| May 2025 | Houthi missile lands near airport | Tel Aviv | Minor damage, no casualties |
| August 18, 2025 | Latest claimed strike and Israeli retaliation | Sanaa/Tel Aviv | Missile intercepted, power plant hit |
Broader Regional Effects
The incident ties into wider instability, including U.S. warnings to Houthis after failed deterrence efforts. President Biden’s administration has conducted limited strikes, but threats persist.
In Yemen, civilian areas suffer from bombings, with power outages affecting millions. Aid groups report over 100,000 displaced since escalations.
Analysts predict more clashes unless a Gaza ceasefire holds. Recent talks in Doha show progress, but breakdowns have fueled past attacks.
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