Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a hypersonic ballistic missile at Tel Aviv Sunday, striking close to the main runway of Ben Gurion Airport. The strike injured four and shut down air traffic in the morning. The Houthis have repeatedly attacked Israel and maritime traffic in the Red Sea since November 2023, a month after Hamas launched its Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the airport strike and vowed retaliation against both the Houthis and their Iranian “masters” “at a time of [Israel’s] choosing.” Officials are investigating why the country’s Iron Dome defense system did not intercept the missile, while several airlines have suspended flights to the airport for the coming days.
A warning shot over Gaza? The strike comes the morning after the Israel Defense Forces called up tens of thousands of reservists Saturday evening to expand operations in Gaza. The mobilization is one of the largest in recent history and came after the most recent failure to secure a deal for the release of Israeli hostages and bodies of hostages still held by Hamas.
On Sunday, Netanyahu criticized Qatari mediators for not using their influence to pressure Hamas to accept the most recent hostage deal, and on Monday, Israel's Cabinet voted to ramp up the offensive against Hamas in Gaza.
