A BALLISTIC missile launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen struck near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday after multiple interception attempts by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) failed, prompting a temporary halt in all takeoffs and landings at the country’s main international airport. However, the Israel Airport Authority confirmed the reopening of airspace following the temporary suspension of flight operations.

 

The missile impacted a grove adjacent to an access road within the airport’s perimeter. However, a direct hit on terminal infrastructure was averted. “In the area of Ben Gurion Airport, an impact was identified,” said the IDF in a statement, confirming that several attempts to intercept the missile had failed. The Israeli Air Force’s aerial defence units are now probing the reasons behind the unsuccessful interceptions. Following the missile strike, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning: “Whoever harms us, we will strike them sevenfold.”

 

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the breach of Israel’s air defence and the missile’s impact site near one of the country’s most sensitive zones. Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency service, reported that eight people were injured in the attack. A man in his 50s sustained light-to-moderate trauma injuries to his limbs. Two women, aged 54 and 38, were reported to be in good condition after being affected by the shockwave. A 64-year-old man was lightly injured by debris, while two more women, aged 22 and 34, suffered injuries while running for shelter. Two others were treated for acute anxiety. All the injured were transported to hospitals in central Israel.

 

 

AN AIR India flight from the national capital to Tel Aviv was diverted to Abu Dhabi on Sunday as there was a missile attack near the airport in the Israeli city, according to sources. The attack happened less than an hour before the Air India flight AI139, operated with a Boeing 787 aircraft, was to land at Tel Aviv. They said the flight will be coming back to Delhi.