On the morning of May 4, 2025, a ballistic missile launched from Yemen by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck near Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel. The attack triggered air raid sirens across central parts of the country, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and briefly disrupted air traffic at the country’s busiest aviation hub.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the missile evaded interception and landed within the airport’s perimeter, hitting a grove near one of the access roads. The military confirmed that defense systems attempted to down the projectile but were unsuccessful. One person sustained minor injuries, reportedly from falling debris in an airport parking lot.
As a precaution, Ben Gurion Airport temporarily suspended all takeoffs and landings. Flights resumed shortly afterward, though delays continued throughout the day. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, and authorities urged the public to avoid any suspicious debris.
The missile was one of several fired from Yemen toward Israeli territory in recent days. The IDF has launched an internal review into the failure of its defense systems during the incident.
