Ballistic Attack on Ben Gurion Airport Exposes Gaps in Israel’s Air Defenses: A surprise ballistic missile strike by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted the vicinity of Ben Gurion Airport today, marking the first successful penetration of Israel’s air defenses in 2024.
The attack forced the temporary suspension of all flight operations and sent travelers scrambling for shelter, revealing unexpected vulnerabilities in Israel’s much-touted missile interception systems. Security analysts note this breach comes despite Israel’s multi-layered defense network, including the Iron Dome and Arrow systems.
“The fact that a missile got through from 1,600 miles away raises serious questions,” said former IDF Air Defense commander Brig. Gen. (Res.) Zvika Haimovich. The incident has prompted an emergency review of defense protocols as regional tensions escalate, with the Houthis vowing further attacks and Israel promising “severe consequences.”
Source: raialkhalij + aljazeera