A shocking incident rocked southern Israel as a Houthi drone struck Ramon Airport, damaging the arrivals hall and injuring two people. The attack stunned many because Israel’s advanced defense system usually intercepts incoming threats.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admitted no sirens were sounded before the drone hit, a rare failure for a country known for its layered air defense. Videos circulating online showed broken windows and shattered glass scattered across the floor of the airport.

Authorities quickly shut down southern airspace, halting flights. Ramon Airport, which mainly serves the resort city of Eilat, reopened after about 90 minutes.

The Houthis, backed by Iran, have repeatedly targeted Israel with missiles and drones, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Although most projectiles are intercepted, some have slipped through, raising serious concerns.

In May, a Houthi ballistic missile struck Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, halting flights and exposing cracks in Israel’s defenses. More recently, Israel responded by targeting senior Houthi leaders in Yemen, killing their prime minister, foreign minister, and top security officials.

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Despite heavy Israeli retaliation, Houthi forces continue long-range attacks not only against Israel but also against shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, two of the world’s busiest maritime routes.

This latest attack shows the Houthis’ growing ability to strike strategic targets deep inside Israel. The failure of sirens and interception raises doubts about Israel’s much-praised defense systems. While Israel continues to retaliate with deadly strikes on Houthi leadership and infrastructure in Yemen, the rebels’ persistence highlights an evolving and dangerous regional conflict that could disrupt global shipping lanes and escalate Middle East tensions even further.