Israel briefly closed its airspace on Tuesday following the interception of a ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi movement, marking a significant escalation in cross-border tensions linked to the ongoing Gaza conflict.

The missile, reportedly aimed at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, was intercepted by Israeli air defenses before impact, according to military sources.

Sirens were activated across central Israel—including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and surrounding areas—prompting millions to seek shelter and forcing the suspension of incoming flights. 

Several aircraft, including commercial flights from Dubai and Amman, were rerouted or delayed as a precaution.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the group had launched a “Zulfiqar ballistic missile” and drones targeting strategic Israeli sites in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. 

The Houthis have intensified their missile and drone campaigns in recent months, targeting Israeli territory and maritime traffic in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that “Yemen’s fate will be the same as Tehran’s,” signaling potential retaliatory strikes.

The Israeli military has already conducted operations against Houthi-linked infrastructure in Yemen, including recent attacks on the port city of Hodeida.

The incident underscores the widening regional scope of the Gaza war, with Iran-backed groups like the Houthis increasingly engaging in direct confrontation with Israel. 

Security analysts warn that such attacks could further destabilize air travel and maritime trade routes across the Middle East.