Houthi Drone Breaches Israeli Air Defenses, Damages Airport Terminal

Latest Developments

Two Israeli Civilians Lightly Injured: The impact from a drone launched by the Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis damaged the arrivals terminal of the Ramon Airport near the southern Israeli city of Eilat on September 7. The attack injured a 63-year-old man from shrapnel and a 52-year-old woman who fell while running from the scene. Takeoffs and landings at the airport resumed two hours after the strike. The IDF reported intercepting three Houthi drones before a fourth did not trigger Israeli sirens, striking the airport. Later, the IDF stated that the drone had been detected by the Israeli Air Force but not classified as an enemy drone.
Houthis Threaten More Attacks on Israeli Airports: The Houthis claim to have fired eight drones at Israel, warning that the group will “escalate its military operations” and that Israeli airports “are unsafe and will be continuously targeted,” according to Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree. The group began frequent missile and drone attacks against Israel in October 2023 and started specifically targeting Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport in September 2024. On May 4, a Houthi missile struck near Ben Gurion Airport, causing minor injuries and prompting some foreign air carriers to cancel flights to Israel. Following the strike, the Houthis announced that they would impose an aerial blockade on Israel, later announcing a formal maritime blockade.
Houthis Deploy More Lethal Weapons: While most Houthi missile and drone attacks against Israel are intercepted by Israeli air defenses, the group has begun using more lethal weapons, including missiles with cluster warheads. A cluster warhead breaks up in mid-air, scattering smaller, unguided sub-munitions that explode on impact to target a large area and indiscriminately threaten civilians. The Houthis launched their first cluster munition on August 22 and again on September 3. Since March 18, the group has launched 80 ballistic missiles and at least 31 drones at Israel.

FDD Expert Response

“This is a good reminder that no shield is impervious to penetration and that the best defense is a good offense. I am confident that Israel will aggressively hold the Houthis accountable. Israel and the United States should also work together to hold the Houthis’ sponsor and supplier, Iran, accountable with attacks on Iranian drone production and shipping facilities.” — RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow and Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology

“The Houthis’ strike on Ramon airport will undoubtedly be touted by the group as a victory in the defense of Palestinians. Framed as a gesture of solidarity with Gaza, the attack offers the Houthis a propaganda opportunity. Yet, beneath the Houthis’ slogans, deliberately targeting a civilian airport does little to alter the situation in Gaza.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“The Houthis’ missile and drone campaign against Israel, as well as its Red Sea attacks, are aimed at imposing an economic and psychological toll on Israel. The Iran-backed terror group is likely to double down on this strategy after Israel’s recent success in assassinating Houthi leaders. While Israel’s operations against the group are important, they are unlikely to deter further Houthi terrorism. The United States and partners should increase weapons interdiction efforts to hinder Iran’s arming of the Yemeni terror group and hold the Iranian regime accountable for fomenting terrorism.” — Bridget Toomey, Research Analyst