Yemen’s Houthi movement launched a hypersonic ballistic missile on Tuesday targeting Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international hub. The strike marks a new escalation in the Gaza conflict and highlights the Houthis’ expanding role in regional tensions.

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Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree confirmed that the missile, named “Palestine 2,” struck Lod Airport—internationally known as Ben Gurion—near Jaffa in Israeli-controlled territory. The group also carried out simultaneous attacks on targets in Jaffa, Ashkelon, and Umm al-Rash (Eilat).

The Houthis, aligned with Iran as part of the so-called “Resistance Axis” opposing U.S. and Israeli influence in the Middle East, have declared their military support for the Palestinian people. Saree stated the operations were a response to what the group calls “genocide crimes” in Gaza.

Ben Gurion Airport is Israel’s busiest and most important air terminal, making it a strategic target in the broader conflict.

Since November 2023, the Houthi movement—also known as Ansar Allah—has launched long-range missile attacks on Israeli territory and targeted commercial vessels linked to Tel Aviv in the Arabian and Red Seas. These actions are part of efforts to pressure Israel amid its offensive in Gaza.

The Houthis paused their attacks during the Gaza ceasefire from January to March 2025 but resumed them after Israeli airstrikes on Palestinian areas continued.

In response, the United States conducted airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas between March 15 and May 13, aiming to deter attacks on commercial shipping. Israel also carried out air raids on Houthi targets, including one that destroyed the airport in Sana’a, Yemen’s capital.

The missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport reflects the widening impact of the Gaza conflict, drawing in regional actors and further straining relations between Israel and its adversaries.

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