"The Huthi rebels' attack has its origin in Iran. Israel will respond to the Huthi attack on our largest airport AND at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terrorist masters", writes Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement on X.
The Huthi movement has taken responsibility for the attack. The attack constitutes "proof of our ability to strike at fortified places in Israel", a high-ranking member of the movement is reported to have said to Qatari TV.
"We will strike back seven times stronger against those who strike at us", says Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz in a statement.
Passed air defense
Smoke was seen rising towards the sky following a powerful explosion heard in the vicinity of the airport outside Tel Aviv on Sunday morning. Israel's military confirms that a hit occurred near Ben Gurion Airport. Six people sustained minor injuries in the attack, according to Israeli media.
"A crater has been formed here, tens of meters wide and tens of meters deep", says police officer Yair Hezroni filmed on the spot.
Sirens sounded in parts of Israel ahead of the attack and the military reports that several attempts were made to stop the projectile. However, Israel's advanced air defense failed to shoot it, the Israeli military reports.
The rocket struck near an access road to Ben Gurion. None of the airport's runways or buildings are reported to have been damaged.
According to Israel's aviation authority, it is the first time a rocket has struck so close to the terminals and runways.
The German airline Lufthansa announces that it is canceling flights to Tel Aviv due to the "prevailing situation" until May 6. British Airways is canceling its flights until May 7 and also, among others, Air India is temporarily halting flights to the airport.
Repeated attacks
The Huthi movement, which controls large parts of Yemen, has repeatedly attacked Israel with rockets and drones that have traveled long distances. It has also targeted many Israel-related targets in the Red Sea. The Iran-backed movement says it is acting in solidarity with the Palestinians in war-torn Gaza – also during Sunday's attack.
During the night to Saturday, Israel said it had shot down a rocket fired from Yemen. Three days ago, Israel shot down two more rockets within the span of half a day. The Huthi movement announced that it had fired the rockets.
