Iran Leader Linked to Ship Attacks, Kushner on Gaza Deal, Israeli Film Wins Award
A report citing three senior Iranian officials suggests that Hossein Taeb, the head of the Basij and former head of Iranian intelligence, ordered attacks on three merchant ships in July, thwarting a potential understanding between the U.S. and Iran. According to the officials speaking to The New York Times, a hardline faction led by Taeb made the decision without the knowledge of senior government or Revolutionary Guard officials, leading to internal disputes. Revolutionary Guard Commander General Ahmad Vahidi reportedly told President Masoud Pezeshkian that he had not approved or known about the attack beforehand.
Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump's senior advisor and son-in-law, criticized a recent Israeli strike in Doha, calling it a "terrible thing" and a military failure that isolated Israel globally. In an interview with Clash Report, Kushner discussed the diplomatic efforts surrounding the Gaza war, highlighting the U.S. pressure on Israel and the consequences of the operation.
The Israeli military confirmed the elimination of two Hamas operatives, Hassan Ali Abu Nada and Abdel Rahim Ahmed Khalil Hawar, in Gaza, stating they were involved in manufacturing weapons. Earlier, Lebanon's official news agency reported Israeli Air Force strikes in southern Lebanon near Nabatieh al-Fawqa and the village of Tibnit.
In a separate incident, police are investigating the deaths of three men found inside a burning car in an open area near Baqa al-Gharbiyya. While the victims are unidentified, there is information about three missing young men from Jaljuliya who may be involved: Yazan Odeh, 16, his brother Qassem Odeh, 20, and their cousin Yahya Bassmia, 22.
The documentary film "Naza" by Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor won the Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival. The film, which explores the mechanisms behind mass killings in Gaza based on testimonies from 24 IDF soldiers and officers, received a lengthy standing ovation at its premiere. The film's content is based on investigations published in local and international media outlets.
In other news, the Tel Dan Nature Reserve in northern Israel was closed and visitors evacuated due to a wildfire. There were no injuries. Separately, the body of an Israeli commando, Staff Sergeant Major Itay Parson, 23, was found on Students Beach in Haifa after he went missing during a diving excursion. The circumstances are under investigation. In international news, leaders of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are set to meet to discuss a plan for the dissolution of the United Kingdom, seeking the right to hold independence referendums. Additionally, reports suggest China provided Iran with high-resolution satellite imagery used in an attack on a U.S. base in Jordan that killed three soldiers. In Indonesia, a passenger ferry capsized in rough weather, leaving 140 people missing. Canadian singer Celine Dion began her comeback concert series in Paris after a hiatus due to illness.
