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.
Zamir came a close second to Halevi in the race for IDF chief in January 2023, in a pick made by then-defense minister Benny Gantz.
Generally, since the Second Intifada of 2000-2005, the IDF has not stationed troops for any extended period within major Palestinian cities like Jenin.
Katz's statement was the most far-reaching statement to date in terms of the length of time the IDF might remain in Syrian territory
Katz denies Liberman’s claims of bias in IDF interviews as haredi draft law controversy heats up in the Knesset.
"The upcoming months present us with challenges that require military readiness and opportunities that allow us to further our strategic goals."
The selection process began rather quickly following current IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi's announcement to resign last week.
Alas, these fine initiatives only nibble at the edges of the military, societal, and ideological need, which is a significant draft to the fighting army of 18 to 26-year-old haredi men.
Coalition tensions over the hostage deal, budget deadline, and haredi draft converge to create the perfect political storm for the Israeli government.
The ultra-Orthodox IDF draft has come to a head as the Israel-Hamas war has seen reservists completing hundreds of days of duty. IDF says it needs more manpower to deal with the new security reality.
Dark Horse candidate Maj.-Gen. Tamir Yadai makes the list, subverting expectations.
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