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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-10-18 at 10:05
HEADLINES
Vance and Witkoff push Gaza phase two
Iran exits 2015 deal enrichment accelerates
Families rally for full ceasefire hostages return
The time is now 6:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
A busy week begins with a mix of diplomacy and security developments shaping the region. In Washington, Vice President JD Vance is slated to visit Israel on Monday, accompanied by Special Envoy for Middle East Peace Witkoff, with discussions expected to focus on transitioning into the second phase of what is described as President Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. Officials framing the talks say the conversation will center on moving from initial steps to deeper security and political arrangements, as the United States seeks to coordinate policy with Israeli and regional partners while balancing humanitarian concerns and the prospects for renewed negotiations.
In Tehran, Iran announced that it is no longer bound by restrictions tied to the 2015 nuclear deal as that agreement has expired. Iran’s foreign ministry said that all provisions of the accord, including constraints on its nuclear program and related mechanisms, are considered terminated, while reaffirming a stated commitment to diplomacy. Western powers and the European signatories have long pressed Tehran to return to full compliance and to resume negotiations. The development comes as the international community reassesses sanctions and monitoring arrangements, with the IAEA noting Iran’s uranium enrichment has reached levels well beyond civilian needs, underscoring concerns about weapons-related capabilities. The public framing from Tehran emphasizes diplomacy even as its stance reshapes the strategic calculus for Israel and the region.
On the ground in Israel and Gaza, hostages and their families remain at the center of the conflict’s humanitarian dimension. Tens of thousands are expected at rallies across the country this weekend calling for the return of the 18 hostages still believed to be in Gaza, with organizers saying the ceasefire agreement must be fully implemented. The campaign is part of a broader national conversation about accountability and the handling of captured and fallen soldiers. The Israeli authorities say Hamas has released 10 of the remaining 28 unaccounted-for remains, while the prize of releasing all captives remains an unresolved demand of the families. In parallel, several shipments of Palestinian bodies perceived to be prisoners were reported to have moved to Gaza in the course of the day, underscoring the knotty exchange dynamics that have characterized the ceasefire and prisoner swap framework.
Security developments during the night included a reported shooting near Abitir in the northern West Bank region of Samaria, with Israeli forces from the Shomron Brigade responding by tightening security measures and conducting searches in surrounding villages. No casualties were reported from the incident, but such episodes contribute to a sense of ongoing risk in areas adjacent to the Gaza front and in parts of the occupied territories.
Meanwhile, regional diplomacy is being described in evolving terms. Reports from an Egyptian outlet aligned with Hezbollah suggested improving Cairo–Israel engagement, including a possible revival of diplomatic channels and a reassessment of the Rafah crossing’s operation, contingent on security and quiet. The assessment notes that any renewed engagement would proceed in the shadow of Israel’s domestic political timeline and Egypt’s own security considerations, with Athens and other regional partners watching for signs of a broadened security and economic posture should calm be sustained.
In cultural and institutional developments, Jerusalem opened a new Knesset Museum in the historic Froumine House, designed to illuminate Israel’s democratic journey and the workings of the Knes
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