Tel Aviv – July 22, 2025:
Israelis woke up in panic early Tuesday morning as sirens echoed across major cities after a missile fired from Yemen targeted Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.
According to the Israeli military, the hypersonic ballistic missile was intercepted mid-air, and thankfully, no injuries or damage were reported. However, the attack led to a temporary disruption of flights and raised fresh concerns over the growing reach of Houthi missiles.
Cities Rocked by Early Morning Alarms
The missile threat triggered air raid sirens in several parts of central and southern Israel, including:
- Tel Aviv
- Jerusalem
- Ashdod
- Beersheba
Residents rushed to bomb shelters, fearing a direct hit. Many shared videos on social media showing dark skies pierced by warning sirens—highlighting just how serious the alert was.
Houthis Confirm Missile Launch
Shortly after the incident, Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the Houthi forces in Yemen, issued a statement claiming responsibility. He confirmed that a hypersonic missile had been launched at Ben Gurion Airport, and declared that the operation had “achieved its goal.”
While Israeli defense officials deny any damage, Houthi forces insist the missile caused flight disruptions and served as a direct response to recent Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s western port city of Al-Hudaydah.
📰 Related: Israel Strikes Yemen Hodeida Port in Retaliation Against Houthi Attacks
Flight Operations Temporarily Halted
Authorities at Ben Gurion Airport confirmed that while flights were briefly suspended, operations resumed shortly after the threat was neutralized. Several inbound flights were delayed or rerouted as a precaution.
The Civil Aviation Authority has since implemented additional security measures across all major airports.
A New Phase in the Regional Conflict?
This missile strike marks a serious escalation in the Houthi-Israel conflict. The Houthis, who have stepped up attacks in recent months, say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where the death toll continues to climb.
Since late 2023, Houthi rebels have:
- Targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
- Launched drone and missile strikes against Israeli sites
- Claimed responsibility for multiple long-range attacks
With this latest incident, analysts warn that the conflict is expanding, and could soon pull in more regional players.
Israel’s Air Defense Put to the Test
Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems were reportedly used to intercept the incoming missile. Experts note that hypersonic missiles are harder to detect and shoot down, raising concerns about future threats.
Global Reactions & What’s Next
International leaders have expressed concern, urging restraint on both sides. The United Nations has called for de-escalation amid fears of a broader Middle East war.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military is on high alert, and further retaliatory actions cannot be ruled out.
