Houthis Claim Missile Strike on Israel’s Main Airport
Houthi military spokesperson Yehya Saree announced in a video statement that a "Zulfiqar ballistic missile" and a drone were fired at the airport near Tel Aviv.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Wednesday claimed responsibility for launching a ballistic missile and drone targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, marking a significant escalation in their ongoing attacks on the country amid the Gaza war.
According to AFP, Houthi military spokesperson Yehya Saree announced in a video statement that a "Zulfiqar ballistic missile" and a drone were fired at the airport near Tel Aviv. He also said that drone strikes were carried out against military targets and the southern Israeli port of Eilat.
The Israeli military confirmed that it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen following air raid sirens in several parts of the country. No injuries or damage were reported.
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023, triggered by Hamas’s surprise assault on Israeli territory, the Houthis have repeatedly launched drone and missile attacks against Israel, declaring their operations as an act of solidarity with the Palestinian people. In retaliation, Israel has conducted multiple airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, including on the strategic port city of Hodeida earlier this month.
In a related development, pro-government Yemeni forces announced early Wednesday the seizure of a massive Iranian weapons shipment en route to the Houthis. The cargo reportedly contained 750 tons of advanced arms, including air and naval missile systems, drones, radars, and other military equipment.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) described the seizure as "the largest of Iranian advanced conventional weapons in their history." Tarek Saleh, commander of the Yemeni National Resistance Forces, shared further details on social media, revealing the presence of air defense systems, anti-tank missiles, sniper rifles, and tracking devices among the confiscated cargo.
Yemeni Partners Successfully Interdict Massive Iranian Weapons Shipment Bound for the Houthis
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 16, 2025
Congratulations to the Yemeni National Resistance Forces (NRF), led by Gen. Tareq Saleh, for the largest seizure of Iranian advanced conventional weapons in their history.
The NRF… pic.twitter.com/4QXAav1bbr
Earlier this month, the Houthis also resumed their attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, targeting vessels they claim are linked to Israel in an effort to pressure Tel Aviv into halting its military campaign in Gaza.
