Yemen’s Hypersonic Missile Strikes Ben Gurion, Tightens Aerial Blockade on Israel
Barak Ravid, Israeli journalist, described the situation as surreal, noting that one could “practically imagine a Yemeni missile passing over Trump's head” as he addressed an audience in Riyadh.
Yemen, PUREWILAYAH.COM - On Tuesday, the Yemeni Armed Forces announced that they had launched a hypersonic ballistic missile targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, located in Lod, near Tel Aviv. In an official statement, the group declared that the missile “achieved its mission successfully,” enforcing an aerial blockade and forcing the suspension of air traffic for approximately one hour.
“The Yemeni Armed Forces' missile unit launched a hypersonic ballistic missile strike on Lod Airport, known in Israel as Ben Gurion Airport, in the occupied area of Yafa,” the statement said.
“This strike reinforces the ongoing flight restrictions at the airport and sends a clear message to airlines still operating in occupied Palestine: they must follow the lead of those that have already suspended their flights.”
The group emphasized that its operations will persist “until the war on Gaza ends and the blockade is lifted.” According to the statement, the missile strike sent “millions of Israeli settlers into shelters,” and dramatic footage circulated online showed panicked passengers on runways and residents of Tel Aviv rushing to bomb shelters.
Israeli Media Reports Attempted Interception
Shortly after the launch, the Israeli military confirmed that it had detected a missile heading toward the occupied Palestinian territories from Yemeni territory. Air raid sirens were activated across a wide geographical area including al-Quds (Jerusalem), Tel Aviv, and Netanya.
Ben Gurion International Airport responded by grounding all flights. Eyewitness videos from the scene depicted chaos and fear as emergency procedures were activated. According to Israeli media, the missile came close to reaching its target before being intercepted by air defense systems.
Local sources also reported the discovery of missile fragments in settlements near the West Bank city of Qalqilya, indicating that the interception may have occurred close to Israeli-populated areas.
Geopolitical Symbolism: 'Over Trump's Head'
The timing of the Yemeni missile launch sparked notable commentary in Israeli media circles. Prominent Israeli journalist Amit Segal remarked that the launch coincided with a speech by former U.S.
President Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia—Yemen's neighboring country. The implication, according to observers, was that the missile's trajectory could metaphorically be seen as passing “over Trump's head.”
Barak Ravid, another well-known Israeli journalist, described the situation as surreal, noting that one could “practically imagine a Yemeni missile passing over Trump's head” as he addressed an audience in Riyadh. He added that although the Yemeni forces had previously indicated a policy of not targeting U.S. naval assets, “this restriction doesn't extend to other American targets.”
Yemen Vows Escalation Until Gaza Siege Ends
Tuesday’s attack is the latest in a series of strategic moves by the Yemeni Armed Forces to increase pressure on Israel amid its ongoing war in Gaza. The group, aligned with the Ansarullah (Houthi) movement, has declared its intent to use its missile capabilities to disrupt life within the Israeli entity and challenge regional normalization with the Israeli occupation.
Reaffirming their stance, the Yemeni statement warned international airlines that continue to operate in Israel: “You must follow the lead of those that have already suspended their flights.” The group described the attack as part of a sustained aerial blockade on the Israeli occupation.
The statement concluded with a firm message: “Our operations will continue until the aggression against Gaza ceases and the unjust blockade is lifted.” (PW)
Source: Al-Mayadeen