Israel Levels Sanaa Airport in Yemen Following Missile Strike Near Tel Aviv
May 7, 2025 — Middle East News Desk —
The Israeli military has confirmed a major airstrike that completely disabled Sanaa International Airport, escalating tensions after a missile launched by Houthi forces landed near Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on Sunday.
On Tuesday, Israeli jets struck the Yemeni capital’s airport, targeting the runway, departures hall, three civilian planes, and a nearby military base, according to airport sources. The Houthis say three people were killed, vowing retaliation.
One airport official described the facility as “completely destroyed.” The planes reportedly belonged to Yemenia Airlines.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the airstrike was aimed at disrupting Houthi operations, accusing the group of using the airport for the transfer of weapons and personnel. The military also targeted power stations in Sanaa and the al-Imran cement factory, claiming they were integral to Houthi infrastructure.
The strikes come in response to a Houthi missile that landed near Israel’s main international airport on Sunday, injuring six civilians. In retaliation, Israel also hit Hudaydah port on Monday — Yemen’s second-largest port — reportedly killing four people and wounding over 30.
Netanyahu: “Attack Israel and You Pay the Price”
Speaking on the response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said:
“Whoever attacks Israel bears responsibility for their own blood… We choose when and how to strike.”
Meanwhile, senior Houthi official Mohammed Ali al-Houthi condemned the attacks as “failed terrorism,” reaffirming the group’s continued support for Gaza and calling for Netanyahu’s resignation.
US-Houthi Ceasefire Excludes Israel
Despite the Israeli escalation, the United States announced a ceasefire with the Houthis. Speaking alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, President Donald Trump said the Houthis had “capitulated”, prompting the U.S. to halt its military operations in Yemen.
“They just don’t want to fight anymore, and we will stop the bombings,” Trump declared.
The agreement, brokered by Oman, ensures that neither the U.S. nor the Houthis will attack each other or interfere with international shipping in the Red Sea. However, Houthi leaders made it clear that Israel is not included in the ceasefire deal.
As Israel continues to respond forcefully to threats near its borders, the regional conflict shows no signs of slowing — especially with Gaza, Yemen, and Red Sea routes all under the shadow of expanding military operations.
