Israel pledges response to Houthi missile strike near Tel Aviv, blames Iran for orchestrating proxy attack

Israel has vowed to retaliate following a Houthi missile strike that landed near Ben Gurion International Airport late Sunday night, injuring multiple civilians and disrupting flight operations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Monday morning that Israel would respond “at a time and place of our choosing,” attributing the attack directly to Iran’s support for the Yemeni militant group. This marks the first direct strike on Israeli civilian infrastructure attributed to Houthi rebels and signals a potential broadening of the regional conflict.

What Happened Near Tel Aviv Airport?

According to Israel’s Ministry of Defense, the projectile struck open ground in the vicinity of Ben Gurion International Airport around 11:40 PM local time on Sunday, May 4. While no fatalities were reported, six individuals sustained injuries from shrapnel and debris, according to Magen David Adom emergency services. The airport suspended inbound and outbound international flights for over four hours, triggering significant disruption to air traffic.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the missile had evaded interception by the country’s layered air defense systems, including the Arrow and David’s Sling platforms. Initial assessments attributed the attack to the Houthi movement, with the IDF citing telemetry and flight path data consistent with launches originating from northern Yemen.

How Did Netanyahu Respond to the Missile Strike?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation shortly after emergency services secured the impact zone. In his televised remarks, he called the missile strike a “cowardly terrorist act” orchestrated by “Iranian terror masters.” He further said Israel would not allow such actions to go unanswered and that retaliation would occur “at a time and place of our choosing.”

The phrase echoed language previously used by U.S. President Donald Trump following attacks on American personnel and allies in the region. Netanyahu’s adoption of this rhetoric appeared designed to convey strategic ambiguity, leaving adversaries uncertain about Israel’s immediate military intentions while underscoring the seriousness with which it views Iranian involvement.

What Is the Role of the Houthis in the Attack?

The Houthi movement, formally known as Ansar Allah, is an Iran-aligned Shia militant group based in northern Yemen. It has previously claimed responsibility for drone and missile attacks against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and more recently against commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

While the group has not officially claimed the Tel Aviv attack as of Monday afternoon, Israeli and U.S. officials have linked the launch to known Houthi operational capabilities. A senior IDF spokesperson stated that Israel has “conclusive intelligence” indicating the missile originated from Houthi-controlled territory. U.S. Central Command has reportedly been assisting Israeli forces in reviewing radar and satellite data to confirm the trajectory.

Why Is Iran Being Blamed for the Attack?

Israel has long accused Iran of using proxy groups across the region to carry out indirect attacks on its territory and interests. Tehran has provided military, financial, and logistical support to the Houthis for nearly a decade, part of a wider strategy to build influence through aligned non-state actors in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

A statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office claimed that “Iran continues to export terrorism under the guise of regional resistance,” and warned that Israeli security doctrine “does not distinguish between the perpetrator and the sponsor.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied any involvement, calling the allegations “baseless and politically motivated,” and warned that any attack on Iranian territory would provoke a “decisive and regional response.”

Has This Happened Before?

This incident represents the first time a projectile launched by the Houthis has landed within Israel’s central civilian zone. While Israel has faced missile attacks from Hamas and Hezbollah, this marks an expansion of threats to Israeli security geography. In recent months, Houthi forces have broadened the scope of their long-range drone and missile activity, targeting vessels in the Red Sea and even attempting strikes on Eilat.

In 2021 and 2022, multiple Houthi drone attacks struck oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and airports in the UAE, prompting coordinated U.S. and allied responses. The extension of that threat to Israel significantly alters the regional risk calculus.

How Are Other Countries Responding?

The United States condemned the strike in strong terms, with a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council calling it “a reckless escalation by Iran-backed actors.” France and the United Kingdom echoed those sentiments, calling for restraint while affirming Israel’s right to defend itself.

Meanwhile, Arab League officials and representatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council have expressed concern over a widening conflict, particularly one that could destabilize the fragile truce in Yemen. The United Nations has called for an immediate investigation and urged all parties to avoid further provocation.

What Is the Likely Israeli Response?

Israeli defense analysts suggest that a range of military options are being considered, including precision airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, cyber operations targeting command networks, and covert special forces operations. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi held consultations with U.S. military counterparts early Monday and has reportedly presented response options to the Israeli security cabinet.

While Israeli leaders have not disclosed details, the rhetoric suggests an intent to go beyond deterrence and inflict costs on both the Houthis and, potentially, Iranian military assets in Syria or Iraq. However, the possibility of triggering a wider regional confrontation is also being weighed, particularly given current tensions with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and ongoing operations in Gaza.

How Does This Impact Regional Security Dynamics?

The attack underscores the evolving multi-front threat Israel faces. With Gaza, Lebanon, and now Yemen implicated in active hostilities, the Israeli military must prepare for simultaneous escalations. It also highlights the regional reach of Iran’s influence through non-state actors, reinforcing concerns raised by both Israeli and Gulf leaders about Tehran’s strategic objectives.

Defense officials in Washington and Brussels have suggested that the expansion of Houthi operations may prompt NATO and other Western alliances to review their engagement in the Middle East, particularly regarding maritime security.

Is There Risk of Wider Escalation?

The potential for broader conflict remains high. Iran has warned of “uncontrollable consequences” if it is directly targeted. The Houthi strike also comes at a time of rising global oil prices and strained diplomatic channels following the failure of recent nuclear deal talks between Iran and Western powers. Any retaliatory strikes by Israel could provoke counter-responses not just from Tehran but from its allied militias in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon.

U.S. military bases in the Gulf are reportedly on heightened alert, and naval patrols in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea have increased. Israeli airbases have been placed on elevated readiness status, with Iron Dome and Arrow systems recalibrated for long-range intercepts.

What’s Next for Israel’s Security Strategy?

Strategically, the attack could prompt Israel to reassess its focus on northern threats and expand surveillance and deterrence frameworks to cover the Arabian Peninsula. The Israeli Knesset is also expected to debate new defense authorizations this week, potentially expanding the legal scope for pre-emptive action outside of immediate conflict zones.

Netanyahu has previously lobbied for international cooperation against Iran’s regional proxies. This incident may now provide new urgency for that diplomatic campaign.

As of 6:00 AM IST on May 5, Israeli forces had not yet launched a retaliatory operation. Security sources indicated that military planning was still underway and that strategic timing would dictate the response window.