Daijiworld Media Network - Sanaa

Sanaa, Jul 19: Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for launching what they describe as a “hypersonic ballistic missile” targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport late Friday night. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported that its air defence systems successfully intercepted the projectile, which triggered nationwide sirens and caused a brief halt in air traffic. No casualties have been reported.

In a televised address aired on the Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah TV, military spokesperson Yahya Sarea stated that the strike was carried out in solidarity with the Palestinian people suffering under siege in Gaza. “The missile achieved its objective. Our operations will persist until the aggression ends and the blockade on Gaza is lifted,” Sarea declared. He further urged the Arab and Muslim world to intervene by providing aid and breaking the blockade.

The missile marked the second Houthi attack on Israel within 48 hours and the seventh such strike this month alone. According to military analysts, the increasing frequency of these assaults from Yemen has created a partial air embargo over Israeli territory, prompting multiple international airlines to delay or divert flights.

Since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023, the Houthis have launched dozens of missiles and drones toward Israel, citing moral and military support for the Palestinian cause. While most have been intercepted or missed their targets, the threat remains persistent.

In retaliation, Israel has carried out multiple airstrikes on Houthi-linked infrastructure and ports across Yemen.

In a related maritime incident, the UK confirmed on Monday that four crew members aboard the Liberia-flagged vessel Eternity-C were killed in Houthi-led attacks in the Red Sea last week. Several other crew members remain unaccounted for.

The growing intensity of these regional flashpoints continues to raise concerns about broader destabilisation across the Middle East.