Tensions escalated further in the Middle East as Yemen&rsquo;s Houthi group claimed to have launched a hypersonic ballistic missile at Israel&rsquo;s Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on Sunday. The group said the strike was in retaliation for Israeli air raids on a power station in southern Sanaa, which knocked out electricity generators but caused no casualties.
The missile triggered air raid sirens across central Israel, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and surrounding cities, forcing residents into shelters. Israeli Defence Forces confirmed they intercepted the missile mid-air, reporting no casualties or damage.
In response, Israel said its fighter jets targeted Houthi-controlled infrastructure in Yemen, including the Hezyaz power station south of Sanaa. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that the Houthis would &ldquo;pay dearly&rdquo; for every attempted strike on Israeli territory.
The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have stepped up drone and missile assaults on Israel since November 2023, framing their campaign as solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Since March 2025, they have launched at least 70 ballistic missiles and 22 drones, most intercepted by Israel&rsquo;s defence systems.
Israel has retaliated with repeated strikes on airports, ports, and energy facilities in Yemen. Just days before the latest incident, the Houthis also claimed drone attacks on Haifa, Eilat, Negev, and Be&rsquo;er Sheva, as well as renewed assaults on Red Sea shipping linked to Israel.
The escalating hostilities highlight how the Gaza war has drawn in regional actors, with the Houthis positioning themselves as a key front in the wider conflict.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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Houthis claim missile on Ben Gurion; Israel intercepts, strikes Sanaa power plant

Houthis Fire Missile at Israel, IDF Strikes Back

Houthis claim missile on Ben Gurion; Israel intercepts, strikes Sanaa power plant

August 18, 2025 | 09:05 IST