Iran is intensifying attacks on ships in and beyond the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to keep oil prices high ahead of US midterm elections, officials say; Tehran warns of a possible complete closure of the vital waterway

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent a 90-minute operation to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after doctors diagnosed adenocarcinoma; the Vatican says the surgery was successful, with further medical updates expected and public engagements canceled through October 20

Hashomer Hachadash founder Yoel Zilberman says a new moshav has already been established and proposes developing the Egyptian and Jordanian frontiers, including a yeshiva near Jericho, renewable energy projects and opportunities for young families

At the People of the State conference, experts debated overseas voting rights as a survey found 84% of Israelis abroad consider the October 27 election critical; with most citizens required to vote at polling stations in Israel, travelers must pay their own way to cast ballots

European diplomats are studying Haredi voter turnout, internal party disputes and rabbinic influence, while a senior official says quiet political talks are underway; officials fear a government dependent on outside support from Arab parties could be fragile

After ynet revealed a possible unity initiative if the election yields no clear winner, the Democrats leader accused its supporters of trying to demoralize voters and disregard October 7 failures, the hostage crisis and wartime draft exemptions

A lecture in London led Danielle Abraham to leave a UK government job for Israel; after years promoting Israeli farming expertise abroad, she raised tens of millions of dollars to rebuild farms damaged after October 7, earning the Nefesh B'Nefesh Sylvan Adams Bonei Zion Prize

A 61-year-old bus driver was trapped in the wreckage and pronounced dead after resuscitation efforts; the truck driver was airlifted in serious condition, while 18 passengers sustained minor injuries and police closed Highway 91 to investigate