Daijiworld Media Network – Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, May 4: A large crater was left near Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel’s main air hub, after a missile launched from Yemen struck the area on Sunday morning, the Israeli military confirmed. Though no casualties were reported, the incident briefly disrupted air traffic and heightened tensions in the region.

In a video statement from the site, Yair Hezroni, central district police chief, pointed out the impact zone: “You can see the area just behind us a crater was formed here, several dozen metres wide and deep.”

The missile was launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who claimed responsibility and said the strike was in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), air defences were activated across multiple regions in response to the incoming missile. Though they attempted interception, the projectile impacted near the airport, prompting temporary suspension of flights. Authorities later announced that operations had resumed normally.

The attack drew praise from Hamas, with spokesperson Abu Obeida calling it a ‘precision strike’ and a sign that Houthi weapons had ‘surpassed the world’s most advanced defence systems.’

This was the third missile attack from the Houthis on Israel in 24 hours, according to the IDF. While no serious damage was reported, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of a ‘phased retaliation’ against Houthi targets in Yemen.

The missile launch comes amid intensified US air strikes on Houthi infrastructure aimed at curbing their threat to Red Sea shipping.

Meanwhile, global airlines have taken precautionary steps. Germany's Lufthansa Group and British Airways announced suspension of all Tel Aviv-bound flights until May 6 and May 7, respectively, citing safety concerns due to the ‘current situation.’