Missile Shock at Ben Gurion: Panic and Smoke Near Israel’s Main Airport

On Sunday afternoon, Israel’s largest airport, Ben Gurion near Tel Aviv, became the scene of unexpected chaos when a missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck just outside Terminal 3.

The explosion created a massive crater and sent dark plumes of smoke into the air—terrifying passengers inside the terminal.

According to senior police commander Yair Hetzroni, the impact “left a hole with a diameter of tens of meters and just as deep.” Miraculously, there were no fatalities, but eight people were hospitalized—one man with leg injuries and two women with mild head trauma.

A Strike with Political Weight

The Iran-backed Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, claimed responsibility for the attack, framing it as an act of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Their military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, declared: “Israel’s main airport is no longer safe for air travel.”

This is not the first time Houthi forces have targeted Israel, but usually, Israel’s air defense systems intercept incoming threats. Not this time—raising new concerns about vulnerabilities in the country’s security network.

Israel Responds with Fury

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning following the incident: “Whoever harms us will be harmed sevenfold.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately convened a high-level emergency meeting with security and defense officials to discuss possible retaliation. A response appears imminent—perhaps inevitable.

Flight operations at Ben Gurion have partially resumed, but numerous departures have been delayed or canceled, including flights to JFK, Newark, and Delhi. A scheduled flight to Dubai did depart on time, according to a Reuters journalist on the scene.

A War Without Borders

The missile strike occurred as Israel escalates its military campaign in Gaza, following a temporary ceasefire earlier this year. The Houthis, in turn, have increased attacks on Israeli targets and Red Sea shipping routes.

A moment of routine at Israel’s busiest airport turned into a chilling reminder of how deep the conflict now runs. In a region long marked by unrest, even a place designed for travel and transit can become a front line—an unbearable moment of panic and uncertainty.

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