The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a significant assault on strategic targets of the Houthi government in Yemen yesterday, reportedly killing the Houthi prime minister and several ministers in a strike on a conference hall in Sanaa. The IDF stated the operation, codenamed "Lucky Drop," targeted a "Ministers Meeting" held to watch a speech by a Houthi leader, with intelligence confirming the success of the assault. While initial reports from opposition sources in Yemen confirm the deaths, the Houthi government has not yet officially approved the identities of the victims. The IDF Chief of Staff, speaking in an assessment this morning, affirmed that "The IDF continues to act throughout the Middle East to protect and thwart existing threats." He added, "We have made a significant assault against strategic targets of the Houthi terrorist rule in Yemen. Our message is sharp - no bride." The military chief also noted ongoing efforts to recover abducted bodies murdered by Hamas. Opposition sources in Yemen identified the killed ministers as Deputy Prime Minister Jalal a-Revishan, Deputy Minister of Interior Abd al-Majid al-Morada, and Minister of Economy, Industry and Investment, Mo'in al-Mitzer. The Houthi prime minister, Ahmad Rahbel a-Rahwi, was also reported killed. However, no confirmation has been provided by the Houthi side, which has maintained a stance of denial regarding the deaths of senior officials. Separately, the Lebanese Army announced yesterday that it received a quantity of Palestinian weapons from the Burj Al-Barajneh camp, in coordination with Palestinian authorities. The delivery included various types of weapons, shells, and ammunition, which have been received by competent military units for detection and processing. The commander of the Lebanese Army, General Rudolph Heikal, held an exceptional meeting to discuss the latest developments in Lebanon and the army's role amid ongoing violations and attacks by the Israeli enemy, emphasizing the army's responsibilities and commitment to preserving civil peace. In parallel, Iran has criticized the European E3 nations for pursuing pressure on the Iranian people, stating that this action "effectively reward[s] the offender and punish[es] the victim." Iran's representative argued that the E3's decision to trigger the re-imposition of Security Council resolutions is driven by obedience to a US policy rather than legal necessity. The representative also noted that Iran has been engaged in nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration, stating that "On the eve of a sixth round of talks, Iran was bombed. First by Israel, and then by the United States." High-resolution satellite imagery of the Mojdeh site in Iran, attacked by Israel, shows a significant effort by Iran to rapidly demolish damaged buildings, potentially to sanitize nuclear weapons research and development activities. The IAEA has established a connection between Iran’s Amad Plan and the Mojdeh site but has been unable to visit it or interview key personnel. Additionally, Saeed Toosi, an Iranian Qur’an reciter, was shot in Mashhad early Friday, according to Iranian state media.
