A ballistic missile launched from Yemen struck Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international gateway, in the early hours of Sunday morning. The impact caused damage to road infrastructure within the airport perimeter and temporarily halted all flight operations.
According to Al Jazeera, which cited Israeli military sources, the missile evaded Israel’s air defence systems despite multiple interception attempts. The attack occurred just after air-raid sirens sounded across central Israel, prompting millions to seek shelter in accordance with emergency protocols.
The missile hit a connecting road within the airport complex, damaging a vehicle and scattering debris across adjacent roadways. Emergency medical teams reported that three individuals sustained minor injuries.
Following the strike, Israeli authorities suspended all flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport. All entry points to the facility were closed, and train services to the site were temporarily halted. Several incoming flights were redirected to other airports.
Footage circulating online appears to confirm that the missile did not strike any terminal buildings or aircraft but impacted infrastructure inside the secure perimeter. The Israel Airports Authority has not yet confirmed when normal operations are expected to resume.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) acknowledged that its air defence system, likely the Arrow or David’s Sling batteries, failed to neutralise the threat. It is unclear whether the missile type was known prior to impact or if its trajectory circumvented detection parameters.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, similar strikes in recent months have been attributed to Houthi forces in Yemen, who have declared support for Hamas and Hezbollah amid the wider escalation in the region. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have increasingly used ballistic and cruise missiles in their regional operations, primarily targeting Israeli and Saudi assets.
The incident marks the first time Ben Gurion Airport has been directly hit by a long-range missile during the current conflict cycle. While the airport has previously been shut down due to alerts or intercepted projectiles, a confirmed strike on its grounds represents a significant escalation.
Security analysts noted that the attack could have been intended to cause disruption rather than mass casualties. The targeting of airport infrastructure, as opposed to passenger terminals or aircraft, suggests a strategic motive aimed at paralysing Israel’s civil aviation.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, with cross-border fire reported on multiple fronts. In addition to engagements with Hezbollah along the northern border with Lebanon and ongoing operations in Gaza, Israel has been monitoring missile launches from Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
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