Israel says it struck Houthi energy facility near Sanaa

France 24,

Israel said it carried out an airstrike on a Houthi “energy site” near Yemen’s capital Sanaa, linking the action to ongoing Red Sea hostilities and cross-border attacks claimed by the Iran-aligned group. The strike targeted infrastructure the Houthis use to support operations against shipping and regional adversaries, according to Israel’s statement. Houthi outlets did not immediately provide casualty figures, but local reports described explosions visible from the capital. The incident underscores the widening spillover from the Gaza war into the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula, where Houthi drones and missiles have threatened commercial lanes and drawn responses from Israel and Western navies.

European leaders convene as Zelenskyy prepares for Washington meeting with Trump

Reuters,

France, Germany and the UK held a virtual summit to coordinate positions on Ukraine ahead of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The move follows the Alaska summit between Trump and Vladimir Putin, where proposals reportedly included major territorial concessions by Ukraine—ideas Kyiv has rejected. European leaders discussed security guarantees and a possible trilateral format to keep Ukraine central to negotiations. The talks come amid continued Russian strikes and Ukrainian air defenses countering large drone and missile barrages. Officials signaled they will press Washington to back robust guarantees for Kyiv even as diplomatic pathways are explored.

Israel faces nationwide strike and blockades as protesters demand cease-fire and elections

AP,

Protesters in Israel launched a daylong strike and highway blockades, escalating pressure on the government to agree to a cease-fire in Gaza and set an election date. Demonstrators rallied outside ministries and in major cities, accusing leaders of prolonging the conflict and mishandling security. Organizers said essential services were unaffected, but disruptions snarled commuter traffic. The protest movement—active since the war’s early months—seeks a political reset and a deal to free hostages. Government officials condemned the actions as harmful to national unity; police made arrests at several junctions. The unrest highlights deepening domestic strains as fighting continues in Gaza and along Israel’s northern front.

Clashes erupt across Serbian cities amid anti-government unrest

Al Jazeera,

Violent confrontations between anti-government protesters and police broke out in multiple Serbian cities, including Belgrade and Valjevo, as demonstrators attacked ruling party offices and security forces responded with crowd-control measures. The protests, part of weeks of unrest over governance and alleged abuses, left injuries on both sides, according to local media. Authorities accused organizers of provoking violence; opposition groups said police used excessive force. The turmoil adds pressure on the government as Serbia navigates EU-related reforms and regional tensions. Images from the scene showed fireworks and projectiles hurled at buildings affiliated with the governing Serbian Progressive Party.

US weighs 15% revenue-sharing on AI chip exports and new tariffs to spur onshoring

The Guardian,

The U.S. is considering requiring semiconductor companies to remit 15% of export revenues from advanced AI chips as part of a broader push to restrict technology outflows and encourage domestic production, according to a report. The plan would target sales to countries of concern and accompany higher tariffs aimed at reshoring cutting-edge manufacturing capacity. The measures reflect growing scrutiny of AI hardware supply chains and concerns over national security and intellectual property leakage. Industry groups warn that aggressive curbs could distort markets and prompt retaliation; supporters argue tighter controls are necessary to protect U.S. technological leadership.

South Korean military reports 9,200 cyberattacks in H1 2025

The Straits Times,

South Korea’s armed forces recorded about 9,200 cyberattacks in the first half of 2025, a sharp pace that officials say mostly originated from foreign IP addresses. The reported intrusions included phishing attempts, malware probes and efforts to breach defense networks, prompting heightened monitoring and incident response. Seoul has blamed state-linked actors in the past for targeting sensitive systems and is moving to harden government and military infrastructure, including through expanded cyber defense units and closer coordination with allies. The figures add to regional concerns over escalating gray-zone cyber activity.

Bolivia votes amid economic crisis; right-leaning challengers lead polls

Anadolu Agency,

Bolivians headed to the polls amid the country’s worst economic downturn in four decades, with surveys indicating right-leaning candidates hold an edge over the long-ruling Movement Toward Socialism (MAS). The vote follows months of fuel shortages, inflationary pressures and street protests, alongside an internal split between President Luis Arce and ex-leader Evo Morales. Leading contenders have campaigned on dismantling elements of MAS’s state-led model and restoring macroeconomic stability. Nearly eight million voters are registered, with officials urging calm as security forces deployed to deter unrest. Results will signal whether MAS’s two-decade dominance is ending.