‘Not one and done:’ Netanyahu vows multiple strikes on Houthis after airport attack

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (May 4) warned Yemen-based Houthi rebels of multiple strikes after the Iran-backed group targeted Ben Gurion Airport with a missile. Houthis said they carried out the strike, which landed near Israel’s main international airport, in solidarity with Palestinians.

In a video message posted on X, the Israeli PM said Israel’s response to the strike won’t be a ‘one-and-done’ situation, and there will be multiple hits.

“We are acting against them in coordination with the US. We’ve acted against them before, and we’ll act against them in the future. It’s not a one-and-done, but there will be strikes,” he said.

Houthi rebels target Ben Gurion Airport

A missile launched by Houthi forces struck very close to Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion Airport, which is located outside of Tel Aviv. Reports indicate that it managed to get past four levels of air defence systems and hit a grove next to a road leading into the airport’s property. This area is considered highly sensitive within the country. The impact created a large hole in the ground, about 25 metres deep.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated that their multiple attempts to intercept the incoming missile were unsuccessful before it landed near the airport, causing a large cloud of smoke to rise into the air. While the missile did not directly hit any of the airport’s buildings, it did cause panic among the passengers who were inside the terminal.

According to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency service, at least eight people sustained injuries in this attack.

Foreign carriers suspend Tel Aviv operations

The attack near the airport caused several international airlines to cancel their flights to the airport. Airlines including Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Hungarian low-carrier Wizz Air and Air India suspended their flights to Tel Aviv.

Air India in a statement said, “Our operations to and from Tel Aviv will remain suspended with immediate effect till 6 May 2025, to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. Our staff on ground is assisting customers and helping them with alternative arrangements.”

This followed a warning from Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree who said Tel Aviv was “no longer safe for air travel”.

Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz has vowed a forceful response

“Anyone who hits us, we will hit them seven times stronger,” he has said.