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| Foto: Bandara internasional Ben Gurion |
VISTORBELITUNG.COM,Tel Aviv, Israel – In a shocking escalation of tensions in the Middle East, a ballistic missile launched by Yemen's Houthi militia successfully penetrated Israeli air defenses and struck Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. The attack, which marks a significant breach in Israel's renowned missile defense systems, has raised alarms over regional security and the expanding reach of Houthi military capabilities.
Missile Strike Disrupts Major Airport
According to Israeli military sources, the projectile—believed to be an advanced ballistic missile—bypassed the country's multi-layered defense systems, including the Iron Dome, and hit near the airport's runways. The explosion caused significant damage to infrastructure, temporarily halting all flights and triggering emergency protocols.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud blast followed by plumes of smoke rising from the airport vicinity. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and while casualties remain unclear, initial reports indicate several injuries among airport staff and passengers.
Houthi Claims Responsibility, Vows More Attacks
The Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen swiftly claimed responsibility for the strike, calling it a "direct response to Israeli aggression in Gaza and the broader oppression of Palestinians." In a televised statement, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned that further attacks would follow unless Israel ceases its military operations in Palestinian territories.
"This is a message to the Zionist entity: our missiles can reach deep into your territory, and no defense system can stop us," Saree declared.
Israel Vows Retaliation, Points to Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency security cabinet meeting following the attack, labeling it an "unprecedented act of war." Defense Minister Yoav Gallant accused Iran of orchestrating the strike, emphasizing that Tehran "arms, trains, and funds the Houthis to destabilize the region."
Israeli officials hinted at a forceful response, with military analysts suggesting potential airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen or even direct retaliation against Iranian targets. The attack has also reignited debates over gaps in Israel's missile defense, with critics urging immediate upgrades to counter long-range ballistic threats.
Regional and Global Reactions
The strike has drawn sharp international reactions:
United States: The White House condemned the attack, reiterating support for Israel's security while calling for de-escalation.
Saudi Arabia: The kingdom, engaged in its own conflict with the Houthis, expressed concern over the group's expanding missile capabilities.
United Nations:Secretary-General António Guterres called for restraint, warning of a "dangerous regional spillover."
What’s Next?
With tensions at a boiling point, the attack on Ben Gurion Airport signals a dangerous new phase in the proxy conflicts between Iran-aligned groups and Israel. As Tel Aviv weighs its response, the world watches anxiously, fearing a wider war that could engulf the Middle East.