Yemen’s armed forces confirmed Thursday the launch of a ballistic missile targeting Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, in what military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Yahya Saree described as a “precision operation” in solidarity with Palestinians under siege in Gaza.

The missile, reportedly a Zulfiqar-class projectile, triggered air raid sirens across central Israel and temporarily disrupted air traffic. Israeli defense systems intercepted the missile, and no casualties were reported. Saree vowed continued strikes until Israel ends its military campaign and blockade on Gaza.

The attack marks a significant escalation in Yemen’s regional posture, which has intensified since November 2023 with a campaign targeting Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea.

Just days earlier, Yemen’s Houthi-aligned forces claimed responsibility for the sinking of two commercial ships: the Magic Seas and the Eternity C, both Liberian-flagged and Greek-operated.

Eternity C Incident Overview

• Attacked on July 7–8 with naval drones, RPGs, and missiles
• 25 crew members onboard; 10 rescued, 4 confirmed dead, 11 missing, including 6 reportedly in Houthi custody
• The vessel sank after sustained bombardment and onboard fires
• The U.S. and EU condemned the attack, with Washington accusing the Houthis of kidnapping survivors

Magic Seas Incident Overview

• Attacked on July 6 southwest of Hodeidah with drone boats, missiles, and small arms fire
• All 22 crew members rescued, thanks to a UAE vessel response
• The ship was targeted for alleged Israeli port affiliations, according to Houthi statements

The EU’s Operation Aspides continues search and rescue efforts, while maritime analysts warn of a renewed threat to global shipping, with insurance costs doubling and traffic through the Bab al-Mandab strait dropping sharply.

Yemen’s military has declared its intent to expand operations, targeting strategic Israeli infrastructure and maintaining a naval blockade until Gaza’s siege is lifted.

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