Ben Gurion Airport evacuated as Iranian missile triggers sirens across Israel

2026-03-23 - 10:39

Israel's Ben Gurion Airport was evacuated Monday after sirens sounded across central and southern Israel following a missile launch from Iran, Israeli media reported. All passengers were moved to shelters as the military detected incoming projectiles and activated alarms across wide areas of the country. Missile intercepted, debris causes damage Channel 12 reported explosions were heard in central Israel during interception attempts. The Haaretz newspaper suggested the missile may have carried cluster-type munitions. According to Israel Hayom, missile debris damaged a building in the southern city of Ashkelon, with fragments also reportedly falling in the Yad Mordechai settlement without causing injuries or significant property damage. Israel's emergency service MDA said it had not received reports of casualties. Ongoing retaliation The attack is the latest in Iran's ongoing retaliation against the joint US-Israeli offensive that began Feb. 28, which has killed more than 1,340 people including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has sustained its campaign of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation. Heightened alert continues The evacuation of Ben Gurion Airport—Israel's main international gateway—underscores the persistent threat facing the country as the conflict enters its fourth week. With both sides continuing military operations, civilian infrastructure remains vulnerable to attack, and authorities remain on high alert for further launches.