Houthis Fire Hypersonic Missile at Israel’s Largest International Airport, Ben Gurion

The Houthi rebels of Yemen have taken responsibility for launching a hypersonic ballistic missile at Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel’s largest and busiest airport, in a dangerous escalation of regional tensions. The strike, which took place on March 20, 2025, marks a new era in the intensifying war between Israel and regional forces, particularly in light of the ongoing Gaza war. The missile was shot down by the Israeli army before it reached the target, and no casualties or damage were reported. Nevertheless, the attack serves to point out the growing capabilities of the Iran-backed Houthis and their greater participation in the broader Middle East war.

The missile hit its target, a report by the military spokesman of the Houthis, Yahya Saree, indicated. This was denied by the Israeli authorities, however, who stated that the missile had been intercepted outside Israeli airspace by the country’s advanced air defense systems. Sirens were sounded over several major Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, as a precaution. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the missile was launched from Yemen and that their Arrow air defense system had successfully neutralized the threat before it could enter Israeli airspace.

This strike fits into a pattern of increasing aggression, with the Houthis launching a number of missile and drone strikes on Israel in recent months. The group has described its moves as a response to Israel’s military engagement in Gaza, positioning itself as a key player in the so called “Axis of Resistance” that includes Iran, Hezbollah and other regional militias.

The use of a hypersonic missile in this attack is particularly alarming. Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds above five times the speed of sound (Mach 5) and are known for their maneuverability, making them extremely difficult to intercept. If accurate, this would be the first known instance of the Houthis utilizing hypersonic technology, which would be a game changing enhancement of their military capabilities.

The acquisition of such advanced weaponry raises concerns over the role of foreign powers, particularly Iran, in providing high tech weapons to the Houthis. It has been long suspected by analysts that Iran has been supplying the group with weapons, training, and intelligence that have enabled the group to target high value targets far from Yemen’s borders.

The strike has prompted angry responses from the international community. The United States condemned the missile strike, reiterating its commitment to Israeli security. American officials also warned that continued Houthi aggression would only lead to escalated military responses in the region. The European Union also condemned the attack, calling for de-escalation to prevent a broader regional conflict.

Iran, however, has not denied or confirmed its involvement in supplying the Houthis with hypersonic missile technology. Iranian officials have continued to openly support the Houthis, praising their “resistance to Israeli aggression.”

Despite the attack, Israel’s air defense systems, namely the Arrow system, successfully intercepted the missile. Israel has a multilayered defense system that consists of the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Arrow systems, each of which is designed to protect against different kinds of threats. That the missile was successfully intercepted attests to Israel’s continued capabilities to repel long-range attacks but also to the increasing level of sophistication of threats that the nation is facing.

Military analysts say while Israel’s defenses are among the most advanced in the world, the introduction of hypersonic missiles is a new challenge that could stretch its current interception systems to the limit. The strike is likely to accelerate Israel’s push to further upgrade its defense infrastructure, possibly with more collaboration with the United States on developing next-generation missile defense systems.

The Houthis have made a much larger contribution to the regional conflict, moving well beyond their traditional focus on Yemen’s civil war. Their missile and drone attacks against Israel and harassment of Red Sea shipping lanes demonstrate a strategic shift in their aspiration to be a more prominent actor in the anti-Israel resistance movement.

The fact that the group can target Israel, hundreds of kilometers away, with long-range strikes indicates its growing military strength. Israel may directly attack the Houthis in Yemen if the latter continues to attack, which will destabilize the region even more.

This missile attack is a grave reason to worry about the potential for a broader Middle Eastern war. If Israel decides to retaliate directly against the Houthis, this could lead to further escalation, drawing in other regional actors. Furthermore, Iranian involvement in supplying advanced weaponry to the Houthis could lead to heightened tensions between Iran and Western partners.

The attack also puts a strain on de-escalation efforts at the diplomatic level. While the international community has called for restraint, the situation on the ground is that both sides are preparing for further clashes. The coming weeks will be significant in determining whether this attack was an isolated one or the beginning of a more sustained campaign by the Houthis against Israel.

The Houthi launch of a hypersonic missile on Ben Gurion International Airport represents a dangerous escalation in the regional war now being fought. Despite Israel’s successful interception of the missile, the attack demonstrates both the growing power of the Houthi rebels and the broader strategic threat posed to Israel. As tensions continue to rise, the likelihood is great for further military confrontations with implications for the entire Middle East. The international community must monitor the situation carefully and work towards diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation