Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced late Sunday they enforce a Houthi threat to block Israeli airspace through continued missile attacks. Their statement followed a missile strike near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, marking the only recent missile not intercepted by Israeli defense systems.
The Houthis Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center issued a formal warning urging all international airlines to cancel flights to Israel airports. They declared Ben Gurion Airport their top target, emphasizing the risk to both aircraft and passengers as Israel expands military operations in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded swiftly, promising retaliation against the Houthis and reinforcing Israel’s commitment to protecting its critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, travelers at Ben Gurion Airport were told to shelter as air raid sirens echoed through terminals and runways on Sunday.
The Houthis’ official message included a copy of an email reportedly sent to the International Air Transport Association ATA and the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization. In the email, Houthi leaders called on airlines worldwide to avoid Israeli airspace entirely due to the heightened risk of attack.
Most past missile and drone assaults from Yemen have been intercepted by Israel’s advanced missile defense systems, with a rare drone strike hitting Tel Aviv last year. However, this recent threat escalates tensions and complicates air travel, especially with the region already strained by months of war.
Israel’s security cabinet recently approved an expanded military campaign in Gaza after peace talks collapsed, leaving over 2.3 million Gazans trapped under siege conditions. Aid groups warn that Israel’s tightened blockade on Gaza has already created a severe humanitarian crisis, with food, medicine, and basic supplies dwindling rapidly.
