What's happened
On May 5, 2025, Israel launched airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen following a missile attack that struck near Ben Gurion Airport, injuring six. The Houthis vowed to impose an air blockade on Israel, escalating tensions in the region amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
What's behind the headline?
Context of the Conflict
The recent missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Houthis. This attack is notable as it marks the first successful strike on Israeli territory since the Houthis began their campaign in November 2023.
Implications for Regional Stability
- Increased Military Engagement: Israel's airstrikes on Houthi infrastructure, including the Hodeidah port and a concrete factory, indicate a shift towards more aggressive military tactics. The Israeli military claims these sites are crucial for Houthi operations against Israel.
- Potential for Broader Conflict: The Houthis have declared an intention to impose an air blockade on Israel, which could lead to further military confrontations. This escalation may draw in additional regional players, complicating the already volatile situation.
- International Reactions: The U.S. has been involved in airstrikes against the Houthis, suggesting a coordinated effort to curb their military capabilities. However, the effectiveness of these strikes remains in question, as the Houthis continue to launch attacks.
Future Outlook
The situation is likely to worsen as both sides prepare for continued hostilities. Israel's military analysts suggest that while they can respond to Houthi attacks, the long-term strategy to neutralize this threat remains unclear. The Houthis, emboldened by their recent successes, are expected to persist in their campaign against Israel until their demands regarding Gaza are addressed.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the Israeli military's airstrikes targeted Houthi infrastructure, claiming it was used for military purposes. The Times of Israel reported that the strikes were a direct response to the missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport, which injured six people and prompted flight cancellations. Al Jazeera highlighted that the Houthis vowed to impose an air blockade on Israel, marking a new phase in their military operations. Meanwhile, AP News noted that the missile strike was the first to hit Israeli airport grounds since the conflict escalated, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Israel's air defense systems. The New Arab reported on the broader implications of U.S. involvement in the region, suggesting that the strikes are part of a coordinated effort to support Israeli interests against the Houthis.
How we got here
The conflict escalated after the Houthis began targeting Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel's military response follows a series of missile attacks from Yemen, with the latest strike marking a significant breach of Israeli airspace.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the air blockade?
- How has the international community reacted to these events?
- What is the current situation in Gaza?
Common question
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What Led to the Missile Strike on Ben Gurion Airport?
The recent missile strike on Ben Gurion Airport has raised significant concerns regarding security and international relations. As tensions escalate in the region, many are left wondering about the motivations behind this attack and its implications for Israel and the broader Middle East. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this incident.
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What triggered Israel's airstrikes in Yemen?
On May 5, 2025, Israel launched airstrikes in Yemen following a missile attack that targeted Ben Gurion Airport. This escalation has raised numerous questions about the ongoing conflict in the region, particularly in relation to the situation in Gaza and the implications of Houthi threats against Israel. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding these developments.
More on these topics
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a country at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is the second-largest Arab sovereign state in the peninsula, occupying 527,970 square kilometres.
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Ben Gurion Airport, commonly known by its Hebrew acronym as Natbag, is the main international airport of Israel and the busiest airport in the country, located on the northern outskirts of the city of Lod, which is about 45 km northwest of Jerusalem and 2
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has