Catch-up edition | 19 September–24 October 2026
Israel approaches an election while confronting threats from Iran and its armed allies. This catch-up also covers the Gaza ceasefire’s unresolved next steps, remembrance of October 7, investment in the country’s future and a new partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum.
SECURITY
Iran: nuclear dispute and renewed threats | On 20 October, Iran’s security chief rejected moving nuclear material out of the country. Netanyahu again said he wanted Iran’s regime removed. Reports on 22 October described preparations for possible renewed strikes; these were reports of planning, not confirmation that a new offensive had begun. The Times of Israel; Financial Times.
Hezbollah: weapons remain the central obstacle | On 15 October, Hezbollah acknowledged owning explosives seized by Lebanese authorities, saying they were intended for attacks on Israel. By 17 October, US-backed efforts still faced the same deadlock: Hezbollah refused to disarm while Israeli troops remained in Lebanon, and Israeli strikes continued. Reuters, 15 October; 17 October.
Gaza: a year of ceasefire, without a lasting settlement | An AP review on 10 October found that the agreement had freed the remaining hostages and reduced major fighting. But Hamas’s disarmament, new civilian governance, an international security force and large-scale reconstruction remained unresolved. Israel continued strikes and controlled more than half of Gaza; civilians remained displaced amid widespread destruction. Associated Press.
West Bank: two Israeli soldiers killed | Palestinian gunmen killed two soldiers near Hebron on 23 October before troops killed the attackers. The military said it had prevented a larger attack on civilians. Netanyahu announced plans for a closure and threatened a major military operation. Reuters; IDF statement reported by The Times of Israel.
Shipping and energy: the wider conflict still matters | Reuters reported further Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia and Iranian claims of tanker strikes in the Strait of Hormuz on 23 October. Such disruption keeps pressure on international shipping and energy supplies, with implications for import-dependent Pacific economies. Reuters.
GOVERNMENT & DIPLOMACY
27 October: Israelis prepare to vote | Netanyahu faces challengers including former military chief Gadi Eisenkot and former prime minister Naftali Bennett. Responsibility for October 7, military service, the courts and the cost of living are central issues. The election will also determine who can assemble a governing coalition; a leading party does not automatically secure a majority. Reuters; Financial Times.
Settler violence draws scrutiny | Police made arrests following October attacks on a journalist, European diplomats and Palestinians in the West Bank. The incidents intensified debate over law enforcement and the government’s response to extremist violence. The Times of Israel, 19 October.
24 September: a defiant address at the UN | Netanyahu defended Israel’s campaigns against Hamas and Iran and rejected genocide allegations over Gaza, while many delegates walked out. The speech highlighted the continuing gap between Israel’s security arguments and international criticism of its conduct. Israeli Prime Minister’s Office; The Washington Post.
Diplomatic disputes deepen | On 27 September, Israel said it was withdrawing diplomatic privileges from Dutch representatives in Ramallah following Dutch measures against settlement trade. On 9 October, Washington imposed new sanctions on the International Criminal Court, extending the confrontation over international justice. Reuters, 27 September; 9 October.
EVERYDAY LIFE
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7 October: three years on | Israelis gathered to remember those murdered in the Hamas-led attacks and the lives changed since. Commemorations renewed questions about responsibility for the failures that allowed the attack, alongside the work of rebuilding affected communities. Reuters.
20 October: a new university for the Galilee | Tel-Hai University of Kiryat Shmona in the Galilee opened after its transformation from an academic college. It aims to attract students, researchers and businesses to the war-affected north—a practical investment in the region’s recovery. The Times of Israel.
21 October: interest rates held at 3.25% | The Bank of Israel paused after earlier cuts. September’s annual inflation was 1.6%, within its target range, but security and fiscal uncertainty remained concerns. Lower inflation means prices are rising more slowly; it does not mean household costs have fallen. Bank of Israel; Reuters.
INNOVATION
Investment continues despite uncertainty | CTech’s 1 October review recorded about US$2.77 billion raised across 28 Israeli startup funding rounds during September as a whole. AI and cybersecurity attracted much of the money; medical imaging and water-risk detection also received investment. CTech Data.
21 October: Israeli engineering in AI security | NVIDIA announced an architecture designed to keep AI agents within authorised boundaries. Its BlueField-4 hardware, developed in Israel, forms part of the security system. The goal is to help organisations prevent autonomous software from misusing access or exposing sensitive information. NVIDIA announcement; Globes on the Israeli development work.
PACIFIC CONNECTION
Israel’s Forum partnership announced | On 20–21 October, Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced its acceptance into the Pacific Islands Forum’s Sectoral Partnership Stream, following approval at the leaders’ meeting in Palau. Israeli Foreign Ministry; 1News.
This is a partnership, not Forum membership or a vote on Pacific leaders’ decisions. Announced cooperation covers water, desalination, agriculture, climate adaptation, innovation and sustainable development. A joint action plan is still to be developed. For PNG and other Pacific countries, the next thing to watch is which practical projects follow. Reuters.
FAITH & CULTURE
A season of repentance, gratitude and renewal | Since our last edition, Jewish communities observed Yom Kippur on 20–21 September and Sukkot from the evening of 25 September to 2 October. In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah followed from sunset on 2 October to nightfall on 3 October. These festivals brought prayer, remembrance and the renewal of the annual Torah-reading cycle. Hebcal: Israel calendar.
Our Messianic reflection: For those of us who follow Yeshua, standing with Israel includes remembering grieving families, praying for protection and peace, and showing compassion to people suffering through war. Faith should move us towards truth, mercy and practical care.
THINGS TO WATCH
27 October’s election and coalition talks; Iran and Hezbollah; Gaza’s disarmament and reconstruction; and the Pacific partnership’s action plan. These are the developments we will be following next.
Selected reporting available through 23 October 2026, prepared on 24 October, Papua New Guinea time. Covers developments since 19 September; September-wide economic data are identified as such. Developing stories may change.