In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Houthi rebels launched a missile targeting Ben Gurion Airport in Israel early on May 22, 2025, only to see their attack thwarted in spectacular fashion. The missile, fired from a mobile launcher in northern Yemen, was intercepted by Israel’s advanced Aero3 defense system, detonating high above Tel Aviv without causing any damage or casualties.
At 2:16 a.m., alarms blared as the missile entered Israeli airspace, prompting swift action from air traffic controllers and military personnel. Within moments, Israeli fighter jets were scrambled, and the Aero3 system was activated. The missile, believed to be a Cuds 3 or SCAD variant, was tracked and destroyed at a staggering speed of over 6,000 mph, resulting in a brilliant flash in the night sky.
The failed strike marks a dangerous shift in the Houthi’s tactics, as they aimed for a high-profile target designed to instill fear and disrupt air travel. However, military analysts confirmed that the missile was not hypersonic as claimed, and its interception was a testament to Israel’s robust air defense capabilities. The Houthis’ ambition turned into an embarrassing failure, as their missile was obliterated before it could even reach its target.
In response, Israeli F-15i fighters launched a counter-strike against the Houthi launch site just 49 minutes after the attempted attack. The precision strike destroyed the mobile platform, sending a clear message: Israel will not tolerate aggression. As the sun rose, the fallout from the incident reverberated across the region, prompting heightened security measures among neighboring countries and raising fears of further escalations.
With the Houthis now publicly claiming a successful strike despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the situation remains tense. As regional powers watch closely, the failed missile attack serves as a stark reminder of the volatile dynamics at play in the Middle East. The question looms: what will the next move be, and will it be met with the same swift response?