Houthi Missile Strikes Near Ben Gurion Airport, Injures Six and Disrupts Flights

Six people sustained injuries during a missile strike launched by the Houthi rebels on Ben Gurion Airport, according to Magen David Adom. Among the wounded is a man in his 50s who suffered moderate-to-serious limb injuries. Two women, aged 54 and 38, are reported to be in good condition after being affected by the blast’s shockwave.

A 64-year-old man suffered light injuries from debris propelled by the explosion, while two other women, aged 22 and 34, were lightly hurt while seeking shelter, MDA reports.

The missile impacted a grove area near an access road within the boundaries of the airport.

In a brief statement following the attack, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz declared, “Whoever harms us, we will strike them sevenfold.”

Although the Houthi group has launched multiple attacks, Israel has so far refrained from retaliating in Yemen, with the United States currently conducting a large-scale campaign against the Iranian-backed faction.

Defense officials confirm that both Israel’s Arrow long-range missile defense system and the American THAAD system failed to intercept the missile.

The IDF stated that multiple interception attempts were made, but the missile ultimately landed within the airport’s perimeter.

The United States had stationed the THAAD defense system in Israel last year due to increasing tensions with Iran.

In response to the missile strike, many airlines have cancelled flights to Tel Aviv.

United Airlines, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Air France, Air Europa, Austrian, and Swiss Airlines are among those who have have paused operations following the missile landing.

To assist Israelis stranded abroad, El Al Israel Airlines is offering discounted one-way flights from nearby countries. Beginning tonight through Saturday night, the airline will provide tickets from Larnaca, Cyprus to Tel Aviv for $99, and from Athens, Greece to Tel Aviv for $149.