Houthi Drone Strikes Israel's Ramon Airport, Injuring Two and Escalating Regional Tensions

On September 7, 2025, a drone launched from Yemen by Houthi rebels struck the arrivals hall of Israel's Ramon Airport near Eilat, injuring two civilians and temporarily halting airport operations. The attack marks a significant escalation in the Houthis' military capabilities and their willingness to target Israeli infrastructure directly.

The drone impacted the arrivals hall, causing shrapnel injuries to a 63-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman who was injured after falling during the incident. Both were treated at Yoseftal Medical Center in Eilat. The attack led to a temporary closure of the airport, with flights suspended for approximately two hours before resuming operations.

The Houthi movement, originating from Yemen's northwestern Saada province, follows the Zaidi branch of Shiite Islam. Initially a cultural revivalist movement in the 1990s, the Houthis have evolved into a significant political and military force, seizing control of Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014. They have received support from Iran, including training and sophisticated weaponry such as drones and ballistic missiles.

The Houthis have previously launched missiles and drones toward Israel in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. In response, Israel has conducted airstrikes on Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen, including a recent strike on the Hodeidah port that killed senior Houthi leaders.

The Israeli military reported intercepting three Houthi drones before a fourth evaded detection and struck the airport. The drone did not trigger Israeli sirens, and the military is investigating the breach of its air defense systems.

Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree stated that the group will "escalate its military operations" and that Israeli airports "are unsafe and will be continuously targeted."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to push forward with Israel’s operation in Gaza City, stating that the effort is part of "the crushing of the Iranian axis’s chokehold."

The attack signifies the Houthis' expanding role in Middle Eastern conflicts and their capability to strike targets far beyond Yemen's borders. The incident exposes potential gaps in Israel's air defense systems, particularly concerning drone warfare, and may prompt a reassessment of current defense strategies. The escalation may influence international diplomatic efforts, including potential sanctions and shifts in alliances, as global powers respond to the increasing volatility in the region.

The Houthi drone strike on Ramon Airport represents a significant escalation in regional hostilities, challenging Israel's defense capabilities and highlighting the complex interplay of geopolitical forces in the Middle East. As investigations continue, the incident may prompt strategic shifts in both military operations and international diplomacy.