Drone Attack Hits Saudi Oil Pipeline; Triple Murder Suspected in Israel

Saudi Arabia reported on Saturday that drones launched from Iraq struck several points along a key oil pipeline, temporarily halting its operation. The pipeline, which runs east-west across the kingdom, allows for oil exports via the Red Sea, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The extent of the damage and the number of casualties were not immediately clear. Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the attack, suggesting Iran was likely responsible and that the Houthis were not seeking conflict with the U.S. He expressed confidence that the situation would be resolved favorably, noting his friendship with the Saudi Crown Prince.

In Israel, a suspected triple murder is under investigation after three family members were found dead inside a burned car in an open area near Baqa al-Gharbiyya. The victims, identified as Yahya Basmiya, 22, and brothers Qassem Odeh, 20, and Yazan, 16, were known to police. The three were related and from the Triangle region of Israel.

Separately, an Israeli counter-terrorism officer, Master Sergeant Itay Peretz, was found dead on a Haifa beach following an extensive search. Peretz, 23, had gone swimming on Thursday afternoon and lost contact with his family that evening. He was a member of the elite Yamam (National Counter-Terrorism Unit) and a resident of Haifa. The circumstances of his death are being investigated.

A scheduled round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in Rome has been postponed. Instead, Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors will meet at the U.S. State Department in Washington to discuss recent developments and the implementation of a framework agreement. A senior U.S. official stated that the next official round of talks would take place in Rome in October.

Additionally, the film "No Other Land," which documents alleged actions by the IDF in Gaza based on anonymous testimonies, received an award at the Venice Film Festival. During a press conference, the filmmakers criticized Israel, with co-director Yuval Abraham drawing a parallel between the Holocaust and events in Gaza, stating, "All human lives are sacred, including those of Palestinians."