Yemen's Huthi rebels claim responsibility for a missile attack on Israel's main airport

Yemen's Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for a missile attack Sunday on Israel's main international airport, saying they were acting in support for Palestinians in Gaza.

"The missile force of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a military operation targeting Ben Gurion Airport" with a "hypersonic ballistic missile", the Huthis said in a statement, referring to their own ranks.

"The missile successfully hit its target," the Iran-backed group said, adding that the attack was conducted "in support of the oppressed Palestinian people and their mujahideen", or fighters.


The rebels, who control swathes of Yemen, have launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and Red Sea shipping throughout the Gaza war that was sparked by Hamas's October 2023 attack.

Israel has intercepted the vast majority of the Huthis' attacks, but on Sunday, authorities said a missile hit the area of Ben Gurion airport after a launch from Yemen.

The attack briefly halted air traffic.

Israeli police reported a "missile impact" near the airport after the military said that "several attempts were made to intercept" it.

It was not immediately clear whether the impact was caused by the Yemeni missile or by an interceptor.

"The Yemeni Armed Forces hereby reiterate their warning to all international airlines against continuing their flights to Ben Gurion airport, as it has become unsafe for air traffic," the Huthis said.