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.
Hezbollah denied any involvement regarding the rockets that were launched.
"If the hostages are not released, Israel will continue to take more and more territory in the Strip for permanent control," he concluded.
According to the ministry, Katz highlighted the importance of continuing the military pressure on Gaza until the hostages are released.
'The Israeli Air Force's strike against Hamas terrorists was only the first step,' he warned. Katz also told the 'residents of Gaza' that 'this is the last warning.'
Israel's defense minister has been aggressively moving on returning the hostages.
Israel's security forces have identified a sharp increase in Hamas's efforts to carry out attacks against the IDF in Gaza.
The IDF spokesperson's unit released videos and photos from the command center, depicting the three men in deep discussion as the strikes took place.
Additionally, the letter stated that Netanyahu and Katz have neglected to enforce the haredi draft bill, which also “harms the security and national interests of the State of Israel.”
The Iron Beam is a ground-based high-power laser air defense system designed to counter short- to mid-range aerial threats, including rockets and mortars.
Katz added that it was imperative for the Israeli military to take into account the "protection of the world of the Torah" in Israel.
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