Early morning headlines revealed an IDF investigation showing soldiers fled Hamas terrorists at Zikim Beach on October 7, abandoning civilians to be massacred.
By dawn, a Houthi ballistic missile from Yemen struck Ben Gurion Airport after both Israeli Arrow and American THAAD defense systems failed to intercept it. The missile created a large crater near the control tower, injuring eight people. This unprecedented breach prompted numerous international airlines to cancel flights to Israel, effectively creating a partial air blockade.
Netanyahu vowed retaliation against both the Houthis and Iran, stating "this is not 'bang and done'" but promising "there will be bangs." Israeli officials indicated preparations for military strikes in Yemen had begun.
Meanwhile, a teachers' strike initially delayed school openings until an agreement was reached reducing salary cuts from 3.3% to 0.95%, though many teachers remained dissatisfied and threatened to continue protests by calling in sick.