Background and Context
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, issued threats against Yemeni rebels and Iran following a missile attack on Tel Aviv’s main airport. The attack resulted in six injuries and led several airlines to suspend their flights.
Who are the Yemeni Rebels?
The Yemeni rebels, also known as Houthis, are an armed political and social movement originating in northern Yemen. They are backed by Iran and have controlled significant territories in Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, which is over 1,800 km away from Israel’s southern border.
Why are the Houthis Relevant?
The Houthis have been allies of the Palestinian group Hamás and frequently launch missile and drone attacks against Israeli positions. Their recent attack on Tel Aviv’s main airport is part of their ongoing support for Hamás and their opposition to Israel.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
Israeli military confirmed that the missile attack, which left a large crater near one of the runways, originated from Yemen. This attack occurred just hours before Israel announced the mobilization of “tens of thousands of reserve soldiers” to intensify its offensive in Gaza, aiming to destroy all Hamás infrastructure.
Trigger of the Conflict
The current conflict in Gaza was sparked by an attack launched by Hamás in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Since then, Yemeni rebels, allied with Hamás, have frequently conducted missile and drone attacks against Israeli positions.
Netanyahu’s Response
In a video posted on Telegram, Netanyahu stated that Israel has previously acted against this group and will do so in the future, warning of “many strikes” without specifying further details. He also asserted that Houthi attacks originate from Iran and that Israel will respond “at the appropriate time.”
Houthi’s Threats and Airline Suspensions
Later that evening, the insurgents announced their intention to “target” Israeli airports again, particularly Ben Gurion Airport. The central region’s police chief, Yair Hezroni, described a crater measuring several dozen meters wide and deep in a video showing the airport’s control tower in the background.
The Israeli emergency service, Magen David Adom, reported treating at least six people with minor to moderate injuries. No damage was reported to the airport’s infrastructure.
Air Travel Disruptions
According to a Houthi statement broadcast by Al Masirah TV, the attack successfully hit its target with a “hypersonic ballistic missile.” Airlines like Lufthansa, Air India, British Airways, and Air France suspended or canceled flights to Tel Aviv due to the attack.
Impact on Gaza
Hamás and the Islamic Jihad celebrated the attack. The conflict in Gaza saw a decrease in hostilities earlier this year due to a two-month truce, which Israel broke on March 18. Since then, Houthi attacks against Israel have resumed.
Casualties in Gaza
On this particular Sunday, sixteen people, including at least three children, died in several Israeli bombardments in Gaza, according to the territory’s civil defense.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the Yemeni rebels? The Yemeni rebels, also known as Houthis, are an armed political and social movement originating in northern Yemen. They have controlled significant territories in Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa.
- Why did Israel threaten Yemen and Iran? Israel threatened Yemen and Iran following a missile attack on Tel Aviv’s main airport, which resulted in six injuries and led several airlines to suspend their flights.
- What is the significance of this attack? The attack symbolizes the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamás, with Yemeni rebels providing support to Hamás through missile and drone attacks against Israeli positions.
- How did the attack affect air travel? Due to the attack, multiple airlines suspended or canceled flights to Tel Aviv, causing disruptions in international travel.
- What is the current situation in Gaza? Despite a brief truce earlier this year, hostilities between Israel and Hamás have resumed. Recent bombardments in Gaza resulted in sixteen casualties, including children.
