Houthi forces: Fired a hypersonic ballistic missile at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport.

Houthi forces: Fired a hypersonic ballistic missile at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport.

Yemen's Houthi movement escalated its missile campaign against Israel, with a significant development on May 25, 2025. The Houthi forces fired a hypersonic ballistic missile at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel's primary international airport. This latest attack follows a series of missile and drone strikes from Yemen, including two intercepted missiles earlier in the day that triggered air raid sirens across Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank [1].

The Houthi spokesperson, Yahya Saree, reaffirmed the group's support for Palestinians in Gaza and their defiance against Israeli aggression in the region. He stated, "We will keep targeting Israel," emphasizing the Houthis' intention to continue their attacks despite the ongoing Israeli air raids on Yemeni territory [1].

Since the resumption of fighting in Gaza nearly three months ago, the Houthis have launched 41 ballistic missiles at Israel. While some have crashed en route, 23 have triggered air raid sirens across large areas of the country. Nine of these launches occurred overnight between midnight and 7:00 a.m. [2]. The Houthis' increased activity has led to heightened regional instability, with both Air France and British Airways extending their flight suspensions to Israel following the recent attacks [2].

The attack on Ben Gurion Airport comes in response to Israel's first airstrike in Yemen since the U.S. campaign ended. Last Friday, Israel conducted an operation dubbed "Red Sunsets," striking the ports of Hodeidah and Al-Salif, aiming to impose a naval blockade on the Houthis [2]. This latest barrage is part of the Houthis' strategy to increase support for Gaza by targeting Israel's key infrastructure.

Israel's advanced air defense systems, including the legendary Iron Dome, have been instrumental in intercepting many of the incoming rockets and missiles. These systems, which have been tested extensively during Israel's war against Hamas and Iran's retaliatory attacks, are designed to defend Israeli troops and citizens from various threats [3]. The Iron Dome, for instance, has a radar station that detects and tracks the course of enemy rockets before launching interceptors to neutralize them.

The U.S., a significant ally of Israel, has provided substantial military and economic aid to Israel over the years. Since its founding in 1948, the U.S. has sent Israel about $300 billion in economic and military aid, making it the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign aid. The U.S. has also been involved in Israel's war in the Gaza Strip, providing limited humanitarian aid to Palestinians while also supporting Israel's military operations [3].

In conclusion, the latest Houthi attack on Ben Gurion Airport underscores the ongoing conflict and the escalating missile campaign against Israel. The attack highlights the need for robust air defense systems and the strategic importance of international alliances in maintaining regional security.

References:
[1] https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israel-intercepts-missiles-yemen-houthis-target-ben-gurion-airport
[2] https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sj9t1zjgeg
[3] https://www.businessinsider.com/see-israel-defense-systems-weapons-in-action-2024-4