A weekly look at Israel, its people and its place in the world.
The Week in Brief
This week brought more questions about Iran, Hezbollah and security in the region. At home, Israelis debated plans for the courts and the country’s future. There were also new agreements, sporting wins and a discovery from ancient Jewish life.
Here are the highlights.
Security and Regional Affairs
- Iran: Trump considers more attacks. On 17 September, US President Donald Trump said he was considering whether to restart large-scale attacks on Iran. He planned to speak with Gulf leaders at the United Nations before deciding what to do next. No new offensive was announced in that report. The Times of Israel.
- Iran: rebuilding raises concerns. Satellite images showed work to rebuild Taleghan 2, a military site linked to earlier nuclear weapons research. Researchers raised concerns in a 17 September report, but said questions remained about what Iran planned to use it for. The Times of Israel.
- Lebanon: little progress on Hezbollah’s weapons. Leaders from Lebanon, France and Jordan met on 17 September to discuss support for Lebanon’s army. A June plan linking the removal of Israeli troops with Hezbollah giving up its weapons remained stalled. Hezbollah is an armed group backed by Iran. Associated Press.
- Northern border: Israel destroys Hezbollah tunnels. A 14 September report looked at the destruction of an underground network in southern Lebanon, announced four days earlier. Israeli officials said Hezbollah used it to direct operations and support attacks. An analyst warned that other threats to northern Israeli communities remained. JNS.
- Gaza: Israel reports killing Hamas weapons engineers. A 14 September report said Israeli forces had killed two Hamas weapons engineers in Gaza City. Israel’s military said they were rebuilding the group’s ability to fight and preparing attacks that broke the ceasefire agreement. New York Post.
- Gaza: building collapse kills families. A building damaged by earlier Israeli strikes collapsed on 16 September, killing at least 21 people, AP reported. Families were living there despite the danger because safe housing was scarce. Associated Press.
- Shipping routes remain under threat. Iran claimed it struck an oil tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz without permission. This is a narrow sea passage used to carry oil. AP also reported further shipping disruption linked to the Houthis, an armed group in Yemen, around the Red Sea. Associated Press.
Government and Public Affairs
- The courts become an election issue again. Ahead of the 27 October election, the Religious Zionist Party proposed further limits on the Supreme Court’s powers. Supporters say elected leaders should have more authority. Critics say the changes would make it harder to stop the government from misusing its power. The Times of Israel.
- More homes planned in the West Bank. Israel added 2,167 homes to the E1 settlement plan, bringing the total to 3,401, according to reporting citing Israeli rights groups. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich supports the project. Critics say it would divide land needed for a future Palestinian state. Reuters report carried by Folha.
Diplomacy and Global Relations
- Israel and Morocco agree to work more closely. On 16 September, the two countries agreed to turn their diplomatic offices into full embassies and appoint ambassadors. They also set goals to restore direct flights and complete agreements on investment and tax before the end of the year. Joint statement.
- US plans a major arms sale. Reuters reported that the US government was planning to sell US$2.8 billion worth of bombs and other ammunition to Israel. The proposal had been shared with committees in the US Congress. The 15 September report did not confirm a completed sale. Reuters.
- Sweden expels an Iranian embassy worker. Sweden ordered the worker to leave over alleged threats involving Jewish and Israeli interests and people who oppose Iran’s government. Iran has previously denied Swedish accusations that it uses criminal groups to carry out attacks. JNS, citing AFP.
Economy and Business
- Israeli company attracts a major buyer. US company Ondas agreed to buy Gate Technologies, which makes electronics for defence equipment. The deal starts at US$205 million and could reach US$390 million if the Israeli company meets agreed targets. The Times of Israel.
- Businesses worry about Britain’s trade restrictions. A 15 September report examined British measures announced the previous week against trade linked to Israeli settlements. Business leaders warned that overseas companies might also avoid trading with other Israeli businesses. The wider losses they feared had not yet been established. The Times of Israel.
Agriculture, Water and Environment
- Farming and water are part of the Morocco agreement. Israel and Morocco plan to work together more closely on farming, water and reliable food supplies. These are plans for future cooperation; the statement does not say new projects are already running. Joint statement.
- How much gas should Israel keep for itself? A government committee recommended keeping current gas export rules despite warnings about future shortages at home. It wants more searches for gas under the sea, alongside longer-term plans for renewable energy and other energy sources. The Times of Israel, 18 September.
Science, Technology and Health
- Israeli software helps disaster teams. A 12 September story showed how the Monday.com Foundation helped teams after earlier earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia. Its software helped them track volunteers, supplies and urgent needs in one place. The report looked back at that work, rather than announcing a new disaster. The Times of Israel.
Society and Everyday Life
- Border communities get stronger protection. Israel’s military described changes to help protect communities near Gaza, including more training, better equipment, extra soldiers and day-and-night monitoring. The 16 September report covered work carried out since October 2023 to help communities respond quickly to an attack. JNS.
- Remembering a Holocaust survivor. President Isaac Herzog honoured Yehuda Aharon Widawski, who died on 11 September. Widawski survived Nazi camps during the Holocaust, rebuilt his life in Israel and later helped identify and restore Jewish graves in Poland. His death was reported this week. JNS.
Culture, Heritage and Sport
- Israeli women win gold and silver. Tamar Steinberg won the women’s iQFOiL windsurfing world title in England on 12 September. Fellow Israeli Sharon Kantor took silver, and Australia’s Stella Bilger won bronze. Steinberg had also won the European title earlier this year. Official results.
- A 2,000-year-old bath is saved. An ancient Jewish ritual bath, called a mikveh, was lifted whole from the ground in Kiryat Gat. The 25-ton structure was discovered in July and moved to protect it during building work. There are plans to return it to the city for public display. The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle / JNS.
Pacific Connection
- One year since Fiji opened its Jerusalem embassy. Fiji opened the embassy in September 2025. At the time, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said Fiji wanted closer cooperation with Israel on farming, energy, technology and coping with climate change. One year on, those are useful areas to follow for signs of progress. Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Faith and Jewish Life
- Yom Kippur begins on Sunday evening. The Jewish Day of Atonement runs from sunset on 20 September to nightfall on 21 September, using local times. It is a time for prayer, fasting, asking God for forgiveness and turning away from wrongdoing. Hebcal.
- Sukkot begins later in the week. Starting at sunset on 25 September, this festival remembers the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness and celebrates the harvest. Families traditionally eat meals in temporary shelters called sukkot. Hebcal.
Our Messianic reflection: For those of us who follow Yeshua, this is a time to look honestly at how we live. Is there someone we need to apologise to? A relationship we can repair? Someone we can help? Small, sincere actions are a good place to begin.
The Week Ahead
- 20–21 September: Jewish communities observe Yom Kippur. Dates.
- Talks on Iran: Watch for decisions following planned meetings between US and Gulf leaders at the United Nations. Meeting preview.
- Southern Lebanon: Watch for progress on support for Lebanon’s army, Hezbollah’s weapons and the future of Israeli troops there. Background.
- 25 September: Sukkot begins at sunset. Dates.
Until Next Saturday
Thank you for reading The Snapshot. Join us next Saturday for more on Israel’s week, the people behind the news and the stories worth sharing.
The Snapshot is a weekly publication by Lev Tziyon Pacific.