The Houthi rebel group in Yemen, officially calling themselves the “Yemeni Armed Forces,” has claimed responsibility for launching a Falasteen-2 missile attack that targeted Tel Aviv’s main international airport, Ben Gurion Airport (also called Lod Airport).
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This attack was announced as a response to what the group described as Israeli aggression in the port city of Hodeidah, located on Yemen’s western coast.
In a recorded statement, the Houthis warned all foreign companies and international partners to immediately cease their dealings with Israeli infrastructure — particularly the port of Haifa — stating that it has now been included in their “bank of targets.” The statement was broadcast with dramatic music and clapping, indicating the group’s intention to show strength and send a warning.
Following this message, the group said it carried out a “precise military operation” aimed at Tel Aviv’s Lod Airport. The strike was carried out using two ballistic missiles. According to the Houthis, one of them was a hypersonic missile named “Falasteen-2” (Palestine-2), while the other belonged to the Dhi al-Fiqar missile series.
Falasteen-2 Hypersonic Missile Claim and U.S. Aircraft Impact
The Houthis claimed that one of the two missiles successfully hit its target — the Lod Airport — and that Israeli defense systems failed to intercept it. Hypersonic missiles like the “Falasteen-2” can travel at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound, making them much harder to track and destroy in the air. These types of weapons are still rare and advanced, usually only seen in militaries with large technological resources.
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The group also claimed that their strike caused major panic in central Israel. Sirens reportedly sounded throughout the Tel Aviv area, and people rushed to shelters. While no official figures have been released about the exact damage, the Houthis said the attack forced “millions of Zionist settlers” into underground bunkers for safety.
One of the most dramatic claims made by the Houthis was that a U.S. civilian aircraft was preparing to land at the airport when the attack occurred. According to their statement, the missile threat forced the plane to abort its landing and instead circle away from the airport to avoid danger. No specific flight details were given, and this claim has not been independently verified.
The Houthis released a video of the missile launch and included celebratory music, applause, and religious praise. They stated that the strike achieved its goals “with the help of God.” The footage showed a launch at night, and the group claimed it demonstrated the effectiveness of their long-range strike capabilities.
Airspace Disruption and Repeated Warnings to Airlines
After announcing the success of the missile strike, the Houthi military spokesperson gave another warning. They said that flights to and from Lod Airport should be halted immediately and that any remaining airline companies operating in Israeli airspace should cancel future flights. The group stressed that the area was no longer safe and that any commercial or military aircraft in the zone could be a target.
The Houthis also reiterated their warning about using Haifa port, stating that any cargo ships or companies doing business through that port could also face similar military action in the future.
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Although there was no official confirmation from the Israeli government about a direct missile hit, flight tracking data showed delays and some rerouted flights at Ben Gurion Airport around the time the Houthis said the attack occurred. Several planes were seen circling before landing, and others were diverted to nearby countries.
Security analysts noted that this kind of long-range attack highlights the increasing capability of the Houthi forces. They have conducted missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden before, but this reported strike toward Tel Aviv marks one of the boldest attacks by the group to date.
The international aviation community is closely watching the situation, especially considering the claim about the U.S. civilian plane. If verified, it would represent a significant risk to global air travel in the region.