Overview

• A Houthi-launched ballistic missile struck within the perimeter of Ben Gurion Airport on May 4, injuring six people and halting flights.
• Israel's advanced Arrow 3 and THAAD missile defense systems failed to intercept the missile, exposing vulnerabilities in its air defense network.
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a strong response, with the Israeli security cabinet unanimously approving a plan to occupy Gaza and relocate its population southward.
• The Israeli military has begun recalling tens of thousands of reservists to support the expanded operations, which aim to pressure Hamas into negotiations.
• The escalation follows months of intensified conflict in Gaza and highlights the growing regional dimensions of the war, including Iranian-backed Houthi strikes from Yemen.