Daijiworld Media Network - Sanaa
Sanaa, May 5: Yemen’s Houthi group has announced the imposition of what it calls a "comprehensive air blockade" on Israel, declaring its intention to repeatedly strike key airports—particularly Ben Gurion Airport—as retaliation for Israel's continued military operations in Gaza.
In a televised statement on the group's al-Masirah TV channel, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said the blockade is a direct response to Israel’s expansion of its offensive in Gaza. “We will continue targeting Israeli airports, with a focus on Ben Gurion Airport, until our demands are met,” he said, urging international airlines to cancel all scheduled flights to Israel.
Earlier on Sunday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile strike that hit a driveway near the main terminal of Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel. The attack caused minor injuries to four individuals and inflicted some property damage, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
The Israeli military confirmed the incident and acknowledged a failed attempt to intercept the missile, attributing the failure to a “technical issue” with their air defense system.
In a swift response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning via video, stating that Israel would retaliate. He also posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Israel holds both the Houthis and their regional ally Iran responsible and will take appropriate military action.
Following the missile strike, multiple international carriers, including Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, ITA Airways, Brussels Airlines, and Air Europa, suspended flights to and from Israel citing safety concerns.
This latest escalation marks a continuation of the Houthis' campaign against Israel, which began in November 2023. The group has launched numerous drone and missile attacks in what it calls an act of solidarity with Palestinians. The Houthis have maintained that they will cease their strikes only if Israel ends its military campaign and lifts the blockade on Gaza.
Meanwhile, U.S. forces have also stepped up airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen in recent weeks, further intensifying tensions in the region.