Yemen’s Houthis announce air blockade on Israel prompting some airlines to halt operations

Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen announced on Sunday evening the imposition of a comprehensive air blockade on Israel, in what it described as a response to the Israeli government’s decision to expand its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement broadcast by its media outlets, Houthi spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree called on international airlines to take the warning seriously in order to preserve the safety of their travellers, saying that the decision came into effect immediately.

Sareei said, “We will impose the siege by repeatedly targeting Israeli airports, especially Lod (Ben Gurion) International Airport near Tel Aviv.”

“We will not accept the continuation of the state of lawlessness that Israel is trying to impose on Arab countries, primarily Lebanon and Syria.” The statement added,

The announcement followed the group’s missile launch at Israel’s main international airport, whose impact near an access road caused panic among passengers.

The attack on Ben-Gurion International Airport came hours before Israeli Cabinet ministers were set to vote on whether to intensify military operations in Gaza. The army was calling up tens of thousands of reserves, Israel’s chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, said.

Israel’s army said it was the first time a missile struck the airport grounds since the war in Gaza began. The military said initial findings indicated the likely cause was a technical issue with the interceptor.

Israel’s paramedic service, Magen David Adom, said four people were lightly wounded.

Multiple international airlines cancelled or postponed flights. The war with Hamas in Gaza and then Hezbollah in Lebanon led to a wave of airlines suspending flights to Israel. Many had resumed in recent months.

Israel has vowed to respond to the Houthi attack in “sevenfold.”

Houthi rebels have fired at Israel since the war with Gaza began on 7 October 2023. The missiles have mostly been intercepted, although some have penetrated Israel’s missile defence systems, causing damage.

Israel has struck back against the rebels in Yemen.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the US was supporting Israeli operations against the Houthis.

“It’s not bang, bang, and we’re done, but there will be bangs,” he said. In a later statement, he added Israel would respond to the Houthis “AND, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters.”