A ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck near Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday, evading multiple interception attempts by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The missile hit a grove near an access road within the airport’s perimeter, causing eight injuries but sparing terminal infrastructure, according to the Times of Israel. The attack prompted a temporary suspension of flights, with the Israel Airport Authority confirming airspace reopening within an hour.

The IDF, acknowledging the failure to intercept the missile, is investigating the breach of its multilayered air defence systems, including the Arrow and THAAD systems.

Also Read: The End of An Era! Warren Buffett To Step Down as CEO Of Berkshire Hathaway

Magen David Adom reported treating a man in his 50s for limb injuries, two women (aged 54 and 38) affected by the shockwave, a 64-year-old man hit by debris, and two women (aged 22 and 34) injured while seeking shelter, alongside two others for anxiety.

Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed “sevenfold” retaliation, signaling a potential shift from Israel’s restraint amid US-led strikes against the Houthis. Houthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, on Al-Araby TV, boasted of their long-range capabilities, claiming “no red lines” in targeting Israel.

Houthi media chief Nasser al-Din Omar warned airlines against using Ben Gurion, citing safety risks.

The attack, the fifth Houthi missile strike on the airport since March, follows the group’s campaign in solidarity with Gaza, intensified after Israel’s Gaza offensive resumed. Prime Minister Netanyahu, set to meet defence officials, faces pressure to respond decisively as airlines like Wizz Air cancel flights.

Also Read: Tension Continues to Brew! PM Modi Meets IAF Chief for 45 Minutes