Drone Strike by Houthi Rebels Temporarily Shuts Down Israel's Ramon Airport

On September 7, 2025, a drone launched from Yemen by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck the arrivals hall at Israel's Ramon Airport near Eilat, injuring two individuals and temporarily halting flights. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Houthis, highlighting the rebels' capability to breach Israeli air defenses and target critical infrastructure.

The attack occurred in the early afternoon when the drone impacted the arrivals hall, causing shrapnel injuries to a 63-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman. Both victims were treated for minor injuries and subsequently released. The strike led to a temporary suspension of airport operations for approximately two hours. Following comprehensive safety inspections and approval from the Israeli Air Force, flights resumed, with the first departure occurring shortly thereafter.

The Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, which had resulted in the deaths of senior Houthi officials. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree declared, "A drone targeted Ramon Airport, which, by Allah’s grace, directly hit the airport and caused the airport to shut down and halt air traffic." He further warned that Israeli airports "are unsafe and will be continuously targeted."

This incident is part of a broader pattern of hostilities between the Houthis and Israel. Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched numerous missile and drone attacks toward Israel, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. In May 2025, a Houthi-fired ballistic missile struck near Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, injuring eight people and prompting Israeli airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

In response to the recent attack, the Israeli military acknowledged detecting the drone but did not classify it as hostile, resulting in no activation of interception and alert systems. An investigation is underway to assess the breach in air defense protocols. Israeli authorities have previously conducted airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including operations that led to the deaths of senior Houthi officials.

The drone strike on Ramon Airport underscores the Houthis' capability to breach Israel's air defenses and target critical infrastructure. This escalation has heightened regional tensions and raised concerns about the security of international air travel and maritime routes in the Red Sea. The incident also reflects the broader geopolitical struggle involving Iran's influence in the region and its support for proxy groups like the Houthis.

As the situation develops, the international community remains watchful of potential further escalations and their implications for regional stability and global security.