Israeli police members allow an ambulance in as they block an entrance to Ben Gurion airport after the country activated air defences against a missile launched from Yemen on May 4, 2025. AFP
According to Israeli media reports, the missile landed within the airport’s perimeter, in a grove adjacent to an access road.
At least six people were lightly wounded, the reports said.
The military said multiple interception attempts were made but failed.
“An impact was identified in the area of Ben Gurion Airport,” a military statement said, adding that an investigation is underway into the failure of the aerial defence system.
In response, the Israel Airports Authority temporarily suspended all landings and takeoffs at Ben Gurion in line with emergency procedures.
Sirens sounded across central Israel before the impact.
The incident triggered a sharp warning from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who vowed retaliation.
“Anyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times stronger,” he stated.
Since the outbreak of the Israeli war on Gaza in late 2023, the Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have repeatedly launched missiles and drones at Israel and targeted Israeli-linked maritime traffic in the Red Sea in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The group temporarily suspended its attacks during a two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.
However, the Houthis resumed attacks after Israel enforced a deadly blockade on Gaza on 2 March.
Their response intensified following Tel Aviv's unilateral ending of the ceasefire on 18 March, resuming the genocide.
Since Friday, the Houthis have fired four missiles and two drones toward Israel, a broader escalation in retaliation for both the Israeli war on Gaza and a recent wave of deadly US airstrikes aimed at deterring their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea.
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