Yemeni Missile Strikes Near Tel Aviv Airport

A missile launched from Yemen on Sunday prompted an interception attempt by the Israeli military, with authorities later confirming a strike near Israel’s primary international airport.

According to Israeli police, the incident involved a direct impact in the central region close to Ben Gurion Airport, which serves as the country’s main gateway for international travel. Senior law enforcement officials visited the site shortly after the strike.

Extent of Damage and Military Response

Central District Police Commander Yair Hezroni, speaking from the scene in a recorded statement, described a large crater resulting from the impact. He noted that the area affected measured several dozen meters in both width and depth, indicating a powerful explosion.

The Israeli army had earlier acknowledged an attempt to intercept the incoming projectile, which it attributed to a launch from Yemen. However, it appears the missile bypassed the defense systems and struck an open area near the airport.

While the incident did not result in immediate reports of casualties, the impact so close to critical national infrastructure raised concerns about the growing reach and capability of missile threats emanating from the region. This latest event is part of a broader pattern of cross-border hostilities involving actors based in Yemen, where ongoing conflict has led to periodic missile launches toward regional targets.

Ongoing Security Measures and Context

Israeli security forces have heightened monitoring and are assessing potential follow-up threats. Military personnel and police are working together to investigate the site, gather debris, and determine the exact missile type used.

The attack reflects ongoing instability linked to regional tensions, including Yemen’s prolonged conflict involving the Iran-aligned Houthi movement and their missile capabilities. Over the past year, the Houthis have increasingly targeted countries they view as aligned with their adversaries, including Israel and Gulf states.

Israeli authorities have not yet provided details about possible flight disruptions at Ben Gurion Airport, but standard emergency protocols were likely activated to ensure traveler safety.

This event highlights the continued volatility in the Middle East and underscores the risk of escalation from conflicts outside Israel’s immediate borders. Security analysts are closely watching for further developments as tensions in the region remain high.