Game changer? Israel weighs direct action against Houthis

Shafaq News/ Israel is reviewing its policy on Yemen following a missile strike by the Houthis (Ansarallah) near Ben Gurion Airport, in what officials view as a “serious escalation.”

The strike caused a temporary suspension of flights in the Airport, but the Airports Authority announced that operations resumed shortly after. “Takeoffs and landings are proceeding normally,” a spokesperson confirmed.

However, Lufthansa Group—including Swiss, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines—cancelled all scheduled flights for the day, according to its website. Other carriers, including Air Europa, Air India, and ITA Airways, also halted operations to Israel citing security concerns.

An Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post that the government is considering authorizing direct strikes in response to Houthi attacks. “Israel’s non-response has relied on US strikes targeting Houthi leadership sites, arms depots, and production facilities.”

“Any actor attempting to harm Israel will face a response sevenfold,” Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz warned, vowing coordinated action with Washington to address the escalating Houthi threat.

Israel Hayom reported that consultations with US counterparts are ongoing regarding the next phase of response.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has instructed senior leadership that operational focus through 2025 will remain on Gaza, as part of a broader shift in defense priorities.