Netanyahu Condemns Houthi Attack on Saudi Airport, Offers Condolences

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an unusual statement on Sunday evening, October 11, condemning the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, specifically a missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh the previous evening, October 10. He conveyed condolences from the people of Israel to the families of the victims and wished recovery to the injured. The strike hit passenger terminals, resulting in 12 deaths and 309 injuries, according to updated figures. The airport was evacuated and flights were suspended.

Netanyahu's statement, originally in English, read: "I most strongly condemn the monstrous terrorist act at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which resulted in the deaths of 12 innocent people and the injury of hundreds more. On behalf of the people of Israel, I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish full recovery to the injured. Terrorism is directed against innocent people and seeks to sow fear and instability. It must be resolutely opposed. Israel strives for a strong Middle East, a region whose countries stand united against threats, protect their citizens, and build a future based on security, cooperation, and prosperity for all peoples of our region."

Following the airport attack, a Houthi military representative stated that the organization intends to adhere to its previously declared principles of confrontation with Saudi Arabia, vowing "airport for airport, blockade for blockade, escalation in response to escalation, until the set goals are achieved." The representative also held Saudi Arabia responsible for the consequences of any failed attempts to intercept Houthi missiles and urged the kingdom's population to take warnings seriously. The Houthis consider all of Saudi Arabia a potential zone for military operations, except for Mecca and Medina.

The Riyadh airport remained closed to flights on the morning of October 11, with the closure extended for another 24 hours. The missile that struck the airport on October 10 exploded near terminals 3 and 4, which serve domestic flights. Among the dead were citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, the US, Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, and one Palestinian. Many of the 309 injured were reported to be in serious condition. This attack was the deadliest on a Gulf Arab state since the start of the war with Iran in February of that year, and the second recent attack on Riyadh's main airport. Previous Houthi strikes on airports in Riyadh and Abha had resulted in three deaths, including a passenger jet pilot.

Houthi attacks on airports aim to disrupt air traffic and close Saudi airspace in retaliation for Saudi bombings in Yemen. The current escalation began in July of that year, ending a four-year lull in the Yemeni civil war. Saudi Arabia supports Yemen's internationally recognized government and strikes Houthi targets. The escalation coincided with increased tensions around Iran, the Houthis' ally. In September, the Houthis seized strategic coastal areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, enhancing their control over shipping, which is crucial for global trade.

Amidst ongoing fighting, the question of military assistance to Riyadh from Pakistan and Turkey remains open, despite a pact signed in August of that year. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated the possibility of U.S. military involvement against the Houthis but stressed that no decision had been made.