Israel was once again under threat from a missile attack when air raid sirens sounded in central parts of the country at around 04:30 a.m. on May 9, 2025. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), a ballistic missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by a Hatz-3 air defense system outside Israeli airspace. The attack was believed to have targeted Ben Gurion International Airport, but unlike the previous incident, the Yemeni Houthis failed to hit their target. The incident highlights the ongoing escalation of tensions in the region, where Israel faces threats from Iranian-backed groups.

Sirens sounded in the densely populated Gush Dan area, as well as in the Sharon and Shfela districts, causing alarm among residents. The IDF confirmed that the launch was carried out by Yemeni Houthi rebels, who earlier, on May 5, managed to hit a target near Ben Gurion Airport, temporarily disrupting air traffic. This time, the Hetz-3 system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles, worked flawlessly, destroying the threat as it approached. The Red Star ambulance service reported that the missile debris did not reach the ground, and the only incident was a minor injury to a woman who was hurt while rushing to a bomb shelter. The victim received medical care on the spot and did not require hospitalization.

The attack from Yemen is part of a series of strikes by the Iran-backed Houthis against Israel in response to its military operations in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. Since the beginning of 2025, the Houthis have launched more than 20 ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as dozens of drones, targeting Israeli cities and strategic sites, The Jerusalem Post reported. On May 8, the Houthis said their actions were aimed at “supporting the Palestinian people” and would continue until Israel stopped its operations in Gaza, according to Reuters. Israel, for its part, has stepped up patrols of the Red Sea and deployed additional air defense systems, including the David’s Sling, to defend against long-range threats.