An Israeli airstrike in Sana'a, Yemen, on August 28, 2025, killed Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi and several other high-ranking officials. The targeted attack occurred during a gathering of Houthi leaders.
Following the strike, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi condemned the action in a televised address on August 31, 2025, calling it part of Israel's "criminal record" and pledging to intensify attacks against Israel. He stated that the loss of officials would deepen the group's resolve. Mahdi al-Mashat, President of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, warned of "dark days" ahead for Israel and reaffirmed the group's commitment to resistance until the siege on Gaza is lifted, urging foreign companies to leave Israel.
The airstrike, reportedly codenamed Operation Lucky Drop by Israel, targeted a meeting that included ministers of energy, foreign affairs, and information. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz described the strike as a "crushing blow" and indicated it was "only the beginning." This event marks a significant escalation, being the first time Israel has directly targeted and killed such senior Houthi officials since the conflict involving Hamas began in 2023.
The Houthi movement, backed by Iran, has been actively involved in the broader regional conflict, launching numerous missile and drone attacks towards Israel and targeting maritime routes in the Red Sea in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Since March 2025, the Houthis have launched over 300 missiles and drones towards Israel, including an attack on Ben Gurion Airport on May 4, 2025. This latest development has intensified concerns about wider regional destabilization.
Analysts suggest that while this strike represents a significant blow to the Houthi leadership, it is unlikely to deter the group from its military operations. The Houthi movement has a history of resilience against military pressure, and their vows of escalation indicate a continued commitment to their strategic objectives. The international community remains watchful as the situation underscores the volatile nature of the ongoing Middle East conflict and the potential for further escalation.