Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen announced on Sunday evening that they will impose comprehensive air blockade on Israel, in what they said was a response to the Israeli government's decision to expand its war on Hamas in Gaza.
In a statement broadcast by its media outlets, Houthi spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree called on international airlines to take the warning seriously to "preserve the safety of their travellers", saying that the decision came into effect immediately.
Sareei said, "We will impose the siege by repeatedly targeting Israeli airports, especially (Ben Gurion) International Airport near Tel Aviv."
The announcement followed the group's missile launch at Israel’s main international airport, which struck near an access road, causing panic among passengers.
The attack on Ben-Gurion International Airport came hours before Israeli cabinet ministers were set to vote on whether to intensify military operations in Gaza. The army was calling up tens of thousands of reserves, Israel’s Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir said.
Israel’s army said it was the first time a missile struck the airport grounds since the Israel-Hamas war began. The military said initial findings indicated the likely cause was a technical issue with the interceptor.
Israel’s paramedic service, Magen David Adom, said four people suffered minor injuries.
Multiple international airlines cancelled or postponed flights. The war with Hamas in Gaza and the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon led to a wave of airlines suspending flights to Israel. Many had resumed in recent months.
Israel has vowed to respond to the Houthi attack in "sevenfold".
Houthi rebels have fired at Israel since its war against Hamas began on 7 October 2023. The missiles have mostly been intercepted, although some have penetrated Israel’s missile defence systems, causing damage.
Israel has struck back against the rebels in Yemen.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the US was supporting Israeli operations against the Houthis.
“It’s not bang, bang, and we’re done, but there will be bangs,” he said. In a later statement, he added Israel would respond to the Houthis “and, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters.”
