Patch Release v1.8.x for September 2026

## Patch Release Checklist for v1.8.x (September 2026)

- [ ] release notes
- [ ] cherry pick
- [ ] bump [envoy](https://hub.docker.com/r/envoyproxy/envoy/tags),[ratelimit](https://hub.docker.com/r/envoyproxy/ratelimit/tags) image tag if needed
- [ ] update VERSION in release branch
- [ ] wait for CI
- [ ] push tag
- [ ] Push tag https://github.com/envoyproxy/gateway/releases/tag/v1.8.x
- [ ] wait for release CI
- [ ] update benchmark dashboard
- [ ] `make sync-benchmark-dashboard VERSION=v1.8.x`
- [ ] open and merge PR with generated `site/tools/benchmark-dashboard/src/data/**` and `site/static/**` changes
- [ ] verify quickstart
- [ ] update doc
- [ ] update release [announcement](https://github.com/envoyproxy/gateway/releases/tag/v1.8.x)
- [ ] GH Release, Slack announcement, [google group](https://groups.google.com/g/envoy-gateway-announce) announcement

---
*This issue was automatically created by the monthly release workflow.*

Follow the checklist from release notes through tagging, CI, announcements, and quickstart verification. Start with the release branch VERSION update and the listed `make sync-benchmark-dashboard VERSION=v1.8.x` command; inspect generated changes under `site/tools/benchmark-dashboard/src/data/**` and `site/static/**`. Done means every checklist item is completed, including the release documentation and announcements.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.