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.

IDF strikes Houthi targets in Yemen's Hodeidah in retaliation for ballistic missile attacks

The last time the IDF responded to almost regular Houthi missile attacks on Israel was July 7, with that attack having little impact on ending attacks from Yemen.

 An IAF jet takes off to carry out a counterstrike against Yemen on May 5, 2025.
 Defense Minister Israel Katz attends a state memorial ceremony for Operation Protective Edge at the National Memorial Hall at the entrance to the military cemetery on Mount Herzl, July 6, 2025

Defense Minister Katz pushes bill improving IDF soldiers' conditions

 Defense Minister Israel Katz meets with Senator Ted Cruz to discuss Syria.

'Syrian Jihadist groups' targeting Druze today will target Israel tomorrow, Katz tells Ted Cruz

 An Israeli APC manoeuvres next to other military vehicles on the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border, July 16, 2025.

Israel to boost defense spending by NIS 42 b. in light of multi-front wars


Katz flying to DC to meet with Hegseth on Iran, weapons

Katz is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to discuss Iran and various other weaponry and strategic security issues.

 DEFENSE MINISTER Israel Katz appears at a committee meeting in the Knesset on Tuesday.

Netanyahu: 'My Druze brothers, do not cross the border into Syria, let the IDF do its job'

Israeli officials react to the ongoing violence in Syria's Sweida between regime forces and the local Druze community.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, with a map of the Middle East (Illustrative).

Katz: IDF to raise level of attacks on Syrian regime if it doesn't leave Druze city

As of Wednesday morning, clashes between Syrian government troops and local Druze fighters resumed just hours after a ceasefire was announced.

 Smoke rises as Syrian security forces walk along a street after Syrian troops entered the predominantly Druze city of Sweida on Tuesday following two days of clashes, in Sweida, Syria July 15, 2025.

'I asked for a realistic plan': Netanyahu pushes IDF for alternatives to Gaza humanitarian city

The IDF also presented the timeline for establishing the humanitarian city, where Israel would move 600,000 Palestinians, and is estimated to take several months, and possibly up to a year to build.

 IDF chief Eyal Zamir, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Israel Katz seen during a military briefing, in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 30, 2025

Former PM Ehud Olmert calls Katz's humanitarian city plan a 'concentration camp'

Katz recently said that the Defense Ministry would build a new 'humanitarian city' in the Rafah area for at least 600,000 Palestinians.

 Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert testifies during a hearing of the civil investigative committee on the October 7 massacre, in Tel Aviv, August 8, 2024.

In 'direct message' to Khamenei, Katz warns Iran of Israel's 'destructive power'

The defense minister said that there is no place in Iran for Islamic Regime officials who harm Israel to hide.

A mock skull representing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is held up by a person during a protest against the Iranian government, outside the Federal Building in Los Angeles, California, US, June 23, 2025.

'A stalemate': Hamas objects to Israel's concessions on IDF troop deployment in Gaza

Netanyahu met with families of the hostages in Washington Wednesday night, saying that tremendous efforts are being made to bring everyone back.

Flames rise in Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border, July 9, 2025

'Etched in our hearts forever': Netanyahu, Israeli officials mourn five soldiers killed in Gaza

The entire People of Israel bows its head in mourning for the fall of our heroic fighters, who risked their lives in the battle to defeat Hamas and free all our hostages," Netanyahu remarked.

 IDF soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip, July 6, 2025.

Israel's target bank in Iran expanded after US showed interest in joining strikes, Katz reveals

On June 18, Trump said he would give Iran two weeks to agree to a proper nuclear deal. However, later that evening, he told Netanyahu that he had already decided to attack.

 US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are seen leaving the White House after their meeting in April.

Katz: Continuing war in uncontrolled Gaza territory would unnecessarily endanger hostages

This contradicts statements from other ministers who called for a complete victory over Gaza and against a partial deal. 

 Hostage families and supporters rally, calling for the return of the remaining 50 hostages in Hamas captivity, June 28, 2025.

US must pressure Iran against rebuilding ballistic missile arsenal, Israel Katz says

Israeli military and intelligence resources must be even more concerned with the ballistic missile program than its nuclear program, the defense minister said.

 US President Donald Trump against backdrop of Iranian missile (illustration).