Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned a deadly missile attack by Houthi rebels on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The strike reportedly killed at least 12 people and injured over 300, escalating tensions in the ongoing Yemen conflict. Netanyahu described the attack as a horrific act of terrorism and extended condolences to the victims’ families. He also called for a unified global response to terrorism, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and maintain regional security.
Following the attack, the airport was targeted again, prompting Saudi aviation authorities to confirm additional injuries and initiate damage assessments and safety checks. The facility remained closed after the initial attack, disrupting civilian activities in Riyadh. In response, Saudi officials suspended in-person classes, shifting schools to remote learning, although a major international energy conference in the capital was still set to proceed as planned.
The escalation in violence comes amid the broader conflict between the Saudi-led coalition, which backs Yemen’s internationally recognized government, and the Iran-supported Houthi movement. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on Saudi airports and energy facilities, issuing warnings to airlines and travelers about using the kingdom’s airspace. In retaliation, the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of conducting airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, resulting in the death of a child and injuries to several others, but Saudi authorities have not yet responded to these claims.
Concerns are growing over the security of civilian infrastructure and the potential disruption of shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic maritime route. Further escalation could also threaten regional energy supplies and international maritime trade. In light of these developments, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as apprehension mounts over possible broader regional involvement.