News - Middle East: In a significant escalation demonstrating advanced military capability, the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a coordinated multi-front aerial operation deep into Israeli territory, striking strategic targets including Ramon Airport, Ben Gurion (Lod) Airport, and military sites in the Negev, Ashkelon, and Um Al-Rashrash (Eilat). 

Military and strategic expert Major General Khaled Gharab confirmed in an interview with Almasirah channel that the operation marked a “qualitative shift in the rules of engagement.” He emphasized that out of eight drones launched, Israeli defenses only detected three—meaning at least five penetrated undetected and reached their targets. 

The strikes utilized complex military tactics combining diversion and surprise, effectively overwhelming Israel’s multi-layered defense systems, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Arrow missile system.

The operation specifically targeted Ramon Airport—a strategic facility intended to replace Ben Gurion Airport and host F-16 fighter squadrons. Strikes also hit civilian and military infrastructure in broad daylight, delivering a clear deterrent message and demonstrating Yemen’s ability to project power deep into occupied territory.

Jerusalem Post described the operation as “one of the most dangerous Yemeni operations in over a year,” noting that the Israeli Air Force remains unable to explain how Yemeni drones penetrated its air defenses.

Channel 14 highlighted “continued serious gaps in the Zionist air defense system,” noting that Yemeni forces are now using “more complex and smarter flight paths.”

Maariv warned that the attack could damage Ramon Airport’s reputation and lead foreign airlines to reconsider flights to Israel, reflecting growing insecurity within the entity.

The CEO of Arkia Airlines admitted that the targeting would have definite repercussions for the air transport sector.

Former Israeli War Minister Avigdor Lieberman called for enhanced Mossad intelligence operations in Yemen and expanded support for proxy opposition groups—a move experts see as a desperate attempt to counter Yemen’s growing military capabilities.

Major General Gharab underscored that the operation—which utilized advanced “Palestine-2” missiles with fragmentation warheads and drones—proves Yemen holds the initiative in expanding the deterrence equation. He warned that any future Israeli aggression against Yemen would come at a “devastating and costly price.”

This operation is the latest in a series of high-profile strikes by the Yemeni Armed Forces, which have increasingly demonstrated an ability to bypass advanced defense systems through tactical innovation and domestically developed technology. The use of diversionary routes, hypersonic missiles, and swarm drone tactics has complicated Israel’s military response and heightened anxiety among its political and security establishments.

The repeated failure of Israel’s air defense systems undermines its perceived military superiority and deterrence capability.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have repeatedly declared that their military operations against the Zionist entity are part of a broader campaign to support the Palestinian people in Gaza, who have been enduring relentless bombardment and siege for nearly two years.