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.
From Europe to Asia: Why Israel’s defense tech is in high demand - analysis
In 2024, Israel hit a record $14.7 billion in defense exports, driven by European demand for its advanced, battle-proven systems and strengthened by global partnerships.
Defense Minister Israel Katz sets up committee to probe Army Radio
Syria accuses Israel of escalation following Daraa strike
Defense Ministry awards security prize to 'movie-like' systems behind Nasrallah killing
'Don’t threaten us with sanctions': Katz visits West Bank as new settlements approved
Katz also criticized French President Emmanuel Macron and others who support the recognition of a Palestinian state, saying such efforts would be meaningless.
WATCH: IDF troops destroy Hamas military assets in schools throughout Gaza
Over 800 explosive devices and other weapons that had been hidden throughout Gaza have been found and confiscated.
Israel approves 22 West Bank settlements amid war with Hamas, pressure for Palestinian state
Legal Affairs correspondent Sarah Ben-Nun explains the context of settlement approval, touching on expansion during the Israel-Hamas War, IDF operations in the West Bank, and more.
Gov't approves establishment of 22 new West Bank settlements
The decision includes plans to renew settlement activity in northern Samaria and develop new communities along the Jordan Valley border.
Gov't to advance deportation of terrorists with Israeli citizenship, Katz says
Ofir Katz noted that he had been fighting for this legislation for two years, calling the move "historic.”
Israel destroys Houthis' final aircraft in strike on Saana International Airport
Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israel was in the process of instituting an aerial and naval blockade on the Houthis.
Katz blocks IDF MAG from speaking to lawyers association
Questions are rising whether the government is trying to silence progress on criminal probes against soldiers.
Katz instructs IDF not to summon Democrats chair Golan to reserve duty
During Golan's military service, he served as the IDF deputy chief of staff, Home Front Command, and Northern Command head.
Shin Bet thwarts Iranian plot to use Israelis to spy on Defense Minister Katz
Both Israelis, from the town of Nesher, were lured in by Tehran due to millions in gambling debt and the promise to help pay off their debts.
Katz thanks Azerbaijan for mediating with Turkey amid the start of Israel-Syria relations
Turkish-Israel relations worsened during the war, but since both took parts of Syria in December 2024, they seek deconfliction to avoid military clashes there.
Man spits on IDF officer on bus in Ramat Gan, turns himself in
The IDF officer, Tamar, told N12 that "There was no interaction between us, suddenly he just spit on my cheek and immediately got off at the station."
