Security remains a pressing concern as Israel approaches the Jewish New Year. This edition also looks at water supplies, a technology milestone and the possibilities opening up closer to our Pacific home.
SECURITY
Drone attack brings fresh strikes in Lebanon | Israeli troops intercepted a Hezbollah drone approaching their position in southern Lebanon on 4 September, according to the IDF. No Israeli soldiers were injured. Israel subsequently struck Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, with the military describing the drone attack as a ceasefire violation. The incident underscores how fragile security remains along Israel’s northern frontier. Read: The Jerusalem Post
EVERYDAY LIFE
Water supplies stabilise after disruption | Israel’s water authorities said on 4 September that supplies to households and agriculture were continuing without restrictions following disruptions at desalination plants. High seawater turbidity had forced shutdowns, and the Ashkelon and Ashdod facilities remained offline on Friday. Increased supplies from the Sea of Galilee and wells helped compensate, with reservoirs due to be replenished over the weekend. For a country so dependent on careful water management, backup supplies are proving their value. Read: The Jerusalem Post
INNOVATION
Israeli company takes on the online scammers | Israeli cybersecurity company Guardio announced on 3 September that it had raised US$40 million, reaching a US$1.1 billion valuation. The company says it now serves one million paying customers and plans to strengthen its protection against digital scams. Its focus is personal: the deceptive messages, websites and calls that put ordinary people’s accounts and savings at risk. It is an Israeli business story with relevance wherever people live, work and bank online. Read: Guardio’s announcement
PACIFIC CONNECTION
What could closer cooperation deliver? | In a 2 September opinion piece for JNS, SIGNAL Group founder Carice Witte examines Israel’s pursuit of development partner status with the Pacific Islands Forum. She argues that Israeli expertise in water, agriculture, health and disaster resilience could help address priorities identified by Pacific countries themselves. For readers in PNG, it raises a worthwhile question: how can friendship with Israel translate into practical benefits for our communities? The piece discusses an application and its possibilities; it does not announce approval. Read: “Israel’s Pacific opportunity,” JNS
FAITH & CULTURE
The season of the shofar approaches | Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on 11 September, opening the Jewish year 5787. For readers preparing to observe the biblical feasts, this is also the season of Yom Teruah—the Feast of Trumpets. ONE FOR ISRAEL’s September guide explores that biblical connection. It offers a timely starting point for reflection, prayer and learning as families and congregations prepare for the holy days. Dates: The Jerusalem Post · Explore: ONE FOR ISRAEL
Selected reporting and reading available on 5 September 2026. Developing stories may change.