Missile Strikes Near Ben Gurion Airport; Damage at Kfar Chabad Seminary

Rocket sirens were activated across many parts of Israel this morning after a missile was launched from Yemen toward the central region of the country. The missile is believed to have struck near Ben Gurion Airport, prompting widespread alerts and temporary flight disruptions.

According to a statement from the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, “Multiple interception attempts were made toward a missile launched from Yemen. An impact was identified in the area of Ben Gurion Airport. The incident is currently under investigation.”

Initial assessments suggest the missile may have evaded Israel’s air defense systems. The missile’s point of impact and the reason for the system’s failure to intercept are under review by the defense establishment.

At least eight people were wounded in the attack; they were taken to Shamir Assaf Harofeh and Sheba Tel Hashomer Medical Centers. Among the wounded were two women with head injuries, ages 54 and 38; a 50-year-old man with limb injuries; a 64-year-old man hit by an unidentified flying object; two women ages 34 and 22 who were hurt while racing for shelter, and two other people who were treated for severe anxiety.

Beis Rivkah Seminary in Kfar Chabad Bet, located near the airport, experienced significant damage from the attack. Windows shattered from the force of the explosion, scattering glass throughout hallways and classrooms. A large hole — possibly from shrapnel — was observed in one of the seminary’s windows. Additionally, a window in a nearby simcha hall was reportedly damaged. Fortunately, all students and staff were in protected spaces at the time, and Baruch Hashem, no physical injuries were reported.

The Airports Authority reported that the impact occurred near Terminal 3, a main terminal used by international travelers. As a result, all takeoffs and landings were temporarily suspended, and several aircraft in the air were placed in holding patterns until receiving clearance to land roughly 30 minutes later.

Sirens were heard in cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Petah Tikva, Ramat Gan, Netanya, Rishon LeZion, Modi’in, Herzliya, and throughout the Gush Dan area, the Shfela region, and the outskirts of Jerusalem.

Security forces continue to monitor the situation closely as tensions remain high across the region.

Defense Minister Israel Katz swiftly issued a warning there will be a harsh response by Israel.

“He who harms us will be hurt seven-fold,” he said in a terse statement.

VIDEO: Moment of missile strike at Ben Gurion Airport