Israel Katz

Israel Katz is an Israeli lawmaker and member of the Likud Party. He currently serves as the country's defense minister, having previously served as this government's foreign minister and energy minister.

Katz has served many other ministerial roles in the past, specifically as transportation minister, agriculture minister, intelligence minister, and finance minister.

He is considered a hardliner in Israeli politics regarding peace and security, supporting settlements and West Bank annexation, but has also advocated for the establishment of an autonomous Palestinian entity.

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Katz announces sanctions on security prisoners who receive PA funding

"We will not allow the Palestinian Authority to continue rewarding terrorists for murdering and harming Israeli citizens," Katz said. 

Katz admits IDF has evacuated 40,000 Palestinians from West Bank homes

In response, the IDF told The Jerusalem Post that only 13,500 Palestinians have been evacuated.

Netanyahu calls meeting with defense sector on hostage deal, prisoner release

Netanyahu will meet with Defense Ministry officials on Saturday night to review the prisoner release and hostage deal.

Amir Baram poised to become defense ministry's new director-general

Baram has served in the IDF for 37 years, and is currently serving as IDF Deputy Chief of Staff. His appointment is still subject to approval from the government.

A sign shows the border between Israel and Lebanon, with a map of IDF's five outposts and a soldier

IDF withdraws most forces from Lebanon, keeping five border outposts

The IDF said that the Lebanese army is doing better than ever before and is surprisingly confronting Hezbollah in some instances but that its performance is still far below where it needs to be.

Katz: IDF to retaliate without compromise to any Hezbollah violation of ceasefire

The military "will continue to enforce with strength and without compromise against any Hezbollah violation – we are determined to ensure full security for all northern communities."

 US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) gives a statement to the press, in Tel Aviv, Israel, May 29, 2024

In Israel, US senators dismiss Trump's Gaza plan, say Arab states to have viable alternative

"The one thing that President Trump has done, he started a discussion that was long overdue," US Senator Lindsey Graham said, saying that Arab states had "woken up" to find a better alternative.

By REUTERS
17/02/2025

Katz forms new body to assist Gaza Palestinians to 'voluntarily emigrate'

Should some Gazan Palestinians want to leave, Israel and the IDF will help facilitate their leaving via a mix of land, air, and sea transport options.

National security is too important for political games

When Israel's defense minister demands the IDF Chief of Staff reprimand its chief for presenting security assessments about Gaza plans, he undermines the very system designed to keep Israel safe.

By ERAN SHAMIR-BORER , EDNA HAREL-FISHER
16/02/2025
IDF Ground Forces commander Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai attends Israel Hayom's security conference

Tamir Yadai’s appointment as IDF deputy chief signals new era for military

Defense Minister Israel Katz appointed Yadai as IDF deputy chief on Friday after his initial refusal.

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