Israel Katz
Found 50 recent publications

Following eliminations and arrest: fears of Hamas response grow as IDF prepares
According to Southern Command sources, the security establishment increasingly assesses that recent targeted eliminations in Gaza and the arrest of a senior Hamas official could trigger a guerrilla operation or rocket fire. A situation assessment is scheduled ahead of Rosh Hashanah to determine if forces in the region will be reinforced.

Clearing the strategic ridge, and fears of Iranian escalation during the holidays: "We have not heard of such an intention"
While Iran threatened a "powerful response" to an Israeli attack on the Ali-Tahar ridge, and despite Defense Minister Israel Katz's warnings about potential holiday attacks, senior Israeli officials clarify there is no intelligence suggesting an imminent Iranian strike. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that regime change is within reach, while US Vice President JD Vance reiterated that the...

Defense Minister's name on Rehovot lion statue sparks public outcry
A sign placed next to a lion statue in Rehovot, made from rocket debris, was removed following backlash over the inclusion of Defense Minister Israel Katz and Mayor Matan Dil's names. Residents, opposition members, and the artist himself criticized the move during the election period.

Katz: "There are signs that Iran is close to desperate steps. An attack will release us from any limitation"
The Minister of Defense threatened to return Iran to the "Stone Age" if it attacks. In Israel, meanwhile, they reject claims that Tehran warned against an Israeli attack on the strategic Ali-Taher ridge - where, according to sources, members of the Revolutionary Guards are holed up.

Katz: No real solution for Gaza without emigration. It is frozen due to Arab pressure on Trump
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated at the "Time of Decision" conference that emigration from Gaza remains a viable solution, though currently frozen due to Arab pressure on the US administration. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited IDF positions in the Gaza Strip, reiterating the commitment to the demilitarization of the enclave.

Katz: "Iran likes to attack on holidays, we are prepared"
At the "Time of Decision: Democracy and Society" conference, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel is prepared to strike Iran if attacked. He emphasized that Iran's nuclear program was destroyed and that Israel is committed to ensuring it does not return.

Dado Bar Kalifa Appointed Commander of the Central Command
The IDF announced the appointment of Major General Dado Bar Kalifa as Commander of the Central Command. He will replace Major General Avi Bluth in 2027.

N12 Exposure: Security establishment preparations for the opening of Erez Crossing - new details
Despite denials by Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Katz, Israel's Deputy Ambassador to the UN already declared yesterday that September 1st is the target date. The security establishment has begun infrastructure work on the ground and approval of transit routes. The move is being promoted under American pressure and pressure from the Peace Council.

Not on the Military Advocate General's line: What is behind the struggle between the Treasury and the Chief of Staff
The dispute between the Chief of Staff and the Accountant General at the Ministry of Finance regarding the benefits for the dismissed Military Advocate General, which was exposed by Ynet, is actually about the power struggle between the two. The Accountant General: "Defining the decision as a 'command authority' does not grant it immunity". IDF: "The decision regarding the Military Advocate...

Only 70 meters from the fence: The giant Palestinian villa opposite Giv'on HaHadasha
The massive villa was built over years in Area B, which is subject to a military order prohibiting construction. The Binyamin Council and the Regavim movement are demanding that the security establishment demolish the structure, which they claim poses a security threat: "In security matters, one does not wait for a disaster to wake up."

Brigadier General (res.) Ilan Malka appointed acting head of the Civil Administration
Malka replaces Brigadier General Hisham Ibrahim, who was appointed military secretary to the Minister of Defense. The move follows the Chief of Staff's decision to limit senior appointments until 2027.

Katz: Every kite launch will be met with evacuation of residents in Gaza
Following a situation assessment held with IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir and senior defense officials, the Minister of Defense clarified that the deadline of the ultimatum set following the launch of balloons and incendiary kites from the Gaza Strip has expired. From now on, every launch of a kite or balloon will be considered an act of terror and will be met with a powerful...

Is the 'kite terror' returning? This is the new way Hamas is using children
Behind the kite flying is an orchestrated campaign aimed at portraying Israel as paranoid and inventing threats. The goal: to restrict its actions and allow Hamas to rebuild its power ahead of another attack.

96,000 shekels, gold, and 5 vehicles: raid on homes of terrorists released in hostage deals
Ministry of Defense and police forces confiscated property worth hundreds of thousands of shekels from those who continued to receive payments from the Palestinian Authority. Among the targets: a Hamas operative involved in planning attacks in Jerusalem in the early 2000s.

Anger in the cabinet over violations in Gaza: "We must not allow even a kite"
In about three weeks, Hamas is supposed to begin handing over its weapons in accordance with the schedule presented by Jared Kushner, and against the backdrop of the Israeli ultimatum to stop violations by the organization, sharp criticism was heard yesterday in the cabinet regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip and the manner of responding to the violations.

"We will remain in the security zone": Katz visited Syria - and sent a message to Turkey and Erdogan
Defense Minister Israel Katz visited IDF forces on Mount Hermon and clarified that they will remain in the area as long as there are threats to Israel. Katz addressed the Turkish attempt to establish a foothold in Syria and sent a message to the Syrian president: "We are here to protect our communities and our border."

Hamas is not waiting for reconstruction: the new threat to Israel is expanding to global arenas
In a discussion held by senior IDF officials with the political echelon, a worrying picture was presented: Hamas views the October 7 massacre as an achievement, not a catastrophe. Alongside this, Israel is concerned about the line led by Khalil al-Hayya — radical Islamism alongside the continuation of "resistance" — and the attempt to promote terror infrastructure around the world.

Paratrooper Brigade to leave Gaza Strip and be transferred to the West Bank
The brigade's forces operated over the last three months in the Strip on a mission to defend and clear the 'yellow line' area of terrorist infrastructure. The forces destroyed underground tunnels and located weapons used by Hamas. Against the backdrop of the transfer of forces to Judea and Samaria, Netanyahu conducted a situation assessment amid rising tensions in the region.
Three liquidations in one day: IDF steps up pace in Gaza
Three terrorists were liquidated within one day in IDF strikes in Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and the central Gaza Strip. Against the backdrop of kite terror, Israel Katz convened the security leadership and demanded to increase the strikes.

Israel Katz: "Act against Gaza kites, including elimination of Hamas leaders"
Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the IDF to respond forcefully to balloon and kite launches from Gaza. He classified every such incident as an act of war and demanded real-time action from the military.

Katz on the Turkish threat: "It is fortunate that the critics have no influence, one must not fear Erdogan"
The Minister of Defense accuses critics of the strike on the Syrian base of flip-flopping and backs the move to prevent Turkish entrenchment in the region: "They moved from claims of a political strike to attempts to scare us with Erdogan, it is fortunate they have no influence"

Tensions Escalate Between the US and Israel Regarding Syria, Kite Terror Returns - and Caroline Langford Has Passed Away
After US envoy to Syria Tom Burke claimed that Israel "is still occupying the Golan," Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a sharp response, asserting that Burke’s remarks do not reflect the position of President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Ra'am party chairman Mansour Abbas called for Israeli and American recognition of a Palestinian state during the party's conference.

Israel Katz's attack on Donald Trump's envoy and Artem Dolgopyat's triumph | Saturday Headlines
A terrorist was neutralized near Damascus, and the minister revealed intelligence preceding the strike in Syria. Donald Trump's envoy hinted at political motives behind Israeli actions. Kites were spotted in the Gaza envelope. The USA imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, while Russia bombed a shopping center, killing 16. Artem Dolgopyat won his third European Championship title.

Israel Katz after Supreme Court ruling: "We will win the elections and close Galei Tzahal"
Defense Minister Israel Katz commented today (Thursday) on the Supreme Court's unanimous decision to strike down the government's move to close the Galei Tzahal radio station, clarifying that he intends to revisit the issue if the government regains public trust in the next elections.

Yair Golan's reaction to the strike in Syria exposes the danger of a left-wing government
68 days until the elections. Amidst the political noise, we often overlook the central issue of national security. Yair Golan's recent criticism of Israel's strike in Syria highlights a stark contrast in security doctrines ahead of the upcoming vote.

Israel Katz tags Erdogan: "Better he continues his fantasy speeches"
Defense Minister Israel Katz published a sharp statement this morning against Turkish President Erdogan, warning him against dangerous involvement in Syria. Katz suggested the Turkish leader settle for "empty fantasy speeches" in parliament rather than challenging Israel's security.

Defense Minister Israel Katz: "Erdogan is dragging Turkey into dangerous adventures in Syria"
Israel is sharpening its messaging toward Turkey against the backdrop of recent developments in Syria. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned the Turkish leader against testing Israel's resolve to defend its borders.

Sources in Likud prepare to petition against the reserved spots for Haim Katz and Israel Katz
Published this evening (Wednesday) in the main news edition: The primaries are behind us, but the battle over the Likud list is far from over. Behind the scenes, a legal move is already being organized against the reserved spots for ministers Israel Katz and Haim Katz.

The Regional Commander supports – and Katz promotes: The move to regulate farms in Judea and Samaria
Defense Minister Israel Katz held a follow-up discussion yesterday, Sunday, on the subject of Judea and Samaria, with the participation of IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. At the end of the discussion, it was agreed that the IDF would submit a comprehensive plan within two weeks to transfer civil enforcement in the region to the Israel Police. Alongside this, it was decided to quickly promote the...

Katz on the escalation in Lebanon: "No account on any front will remain open"
The Minister of Defense sent a message following a Hezbollah attack in which three IDF soldiers were seriously wounded: "We will forcefully defend our soldiers and citizens." Throughout the night, the IDF also struck in the security zone in southern Lebanon, in Kantara and on the Ali-Tahar ridge. Security sources: these were routine strikes.
Ra'anana Mayor on the explosion with Israel Katz: "The minister insisted, so I left"
Chaim Broyda, Mayor of Ra'anana, after closing the city's first 'roof agreement' and a little more than two months before the national elections, explains to 'Maariv' why he blew up the ceremony with the Minister of Construction and declares: "Even the most senior figure is not above the law."

Behind Israel Katz's directive: Yoram Halevy's plan
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) proposed months ago to redistribute responsibilities between the IDF and the police. In a document presented by Major General Yoram Halevy, it is argued that the IDF lacks a professional advantage in civil law enforcement tasks. The proposal: a new police force, with its own staff and budget, to reduce the burden on regular and...

Ofer Cassif attempted to reach Kusra: security forces prevented the provocation
MK Ofer Cassif attempted today, Friday, to reach the village of Kusra in Judea and Samaria. Security forces, aware of the MK's intentions, blocked his path following instructions from Defense Minister Israel Katz.

A premature announcement? Katz's statement was not coordinated with the IDF and Ben Gvir
The Minister of Defense declared that he had ordered the transfer of enforcement powers from the IDF to the Judea and Samaria Police, and the demand did indeed come from military officials. However, in practice, orderly staff work is required, and there are also legal challenges. In Judea and Samaria, they welcomed the move in any case: "Complete the process - and cancel the Oslo Accords."

Following Qusra riots: Katz seeks to transfer authority over Jewish extremists to police
Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the IDF to draft a plan transferring enforcement powers regarding Israeli citizens in Judea and Samaria to the police. Katz argues that the military should focus exclusively on counter-terrorism and border defense rather than civilian law enforcement.
History Repeats Itself | Nathan Zahavi
It is enough to read the accusations that the prophets leveled against the leaders of the Jewish people in the biblical era to understand that thousands of years later, the next generation is at the same level as some of our historical leaders.

The storm in Likud: "We helped Netanyahu with things that are not exactly according to the constitution"
The party court president, former MK Michael Kleiner, was privy to the surprising reservation of spots for Israel Katz and Haim Katz. As someone usually considered an oppositionist in the movement, he actually assisted the Prime Minister, and according to him, not for the first time: "We found all sorts of creative ways that provided a democratic veneer." To the claim that state security was used...

Yossi Dagan on the attempted assassination of Katz: 'The enemy understands that we have returned to Samaria'
Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan responded to the attempted assassination of Defense Minister Israel Katz during the Ganim settlement ceremony: 'The enemy understands that the return to northern Samaria is changing the reality. We will establish even more settlements.'

Suspicion: Terrorist cell from Jenin planned to assassinate Defense Minister Israel Katz
First publication: The terrorist cell arrested tonight (Thursday) in Jenin allegedly planned to assassinate Defense Minister Israel Katz during the inauguration ceremony of the settlement of Ganim in northern Samaria, which was attended by other senior Israeli officials, including Minister Shlomo Karhi, MK Yuli Edelstein, and a regional council head.

Anger in the US, and a message to Israel: "Deal with settler violence"
The siege in Qusra has sparked anger even among Israel's supporters in the administration, which fears strategic consequences and is pressuring Netanyahu to publicly condemn the extremists. However, the Prime Minister remains silent for now, and only Katz published a condemnation — at a settlement establishment ceremony. Former Efrat Council head: "If a true friend like US Ambassador Huckabee has...

What were the terrorists in Gaza practicing, while the IDF watched them and refrained from intervening?
While Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Katz boast of a determined security policy, Israel has returned to a reality of containment vis-à-vis Hamas and Hezbollah. Thus, Israel's security falls into the abyss between boastful words and a lack of response on the ground.

When an American citizen from Ohio becomes a test of Israeli governance
Conflicts in the security establishment and anarchy in the territories are no longer confined to local borders. When an American citizen from Ohio is besieged and the White House loses patience, Israel pays a price.

Security sources: IDF has captured the Ali-Tahar ridge in southern Lebanon
The mountain ridge, defined by the head of Aman as a critical area for Hezbollah, separates the Litani River from the Nabatieh plateau, with its peak at the Beaufort ridge. The Chief of Staff and the Minister of Defense pushed to capture the ridge, despite fears of international criticism. Some of the infrastructure there served two purposes: raids on the Galilee and dealing with an IDF ground...

Minister Katz in Lebanon: "I instructed the IDF to prepare for a long-term stay"
Defense Minister Israel Katz visited IDF forces in southern Lebanon this morning, Wednesday, and declared that Israel intends to maintain a military presence in the security zones under its control. During the visit, in which he received briefings from commanders and spoke with soldiers, Katz said he had instructed the IDF to prepare for a long-term stay in the territory, presenting the military...

Political deterrence for years: The rioters in Qusra are trying to sear a trauma
Like in Amona in 2017, the Jewish rioters are trying to create a balance that will prevent a future government policy change. The IDF gave the rioters freedom of action for days and settled for a verbal condemnation, and the fact that the security forces did not handle the event quickly and decisively made them understand - the authorities prefer to turn a blind eye. Is this an order from above?

"The Katzes" and Sa'ar are in: Likud court approves Netanyahu's reserved spots
The Likud court ruled that the Prime Minister is authorized to grant reserved spots to senior movement members before the primaries, approving the placement of ministers Gideon Sa'ar, Israel Katz, and Haim Katz. While this removes an obstacle for Netanyahu, he still faces potential backlash from MKs who will be displaced from the list.
"Is there a spoiler here?": Tally Gotliv marks her blacklist in Likud
Likud MK Tally Gotliv was interviewed on 103fm radio and addressed the controversy over reserved spots in the party. She claimed that senior figures within the party are trying to weaken her, even though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports her and she represents Likud's values.

Tally Gotliv: "The recruitment video for Haredim in 8200 reminded me of Nazi Germany and Auschwitz"
Likud MK Tally Gotliv criticized a recruitment video aimed at Haredim during an interview with 103FM. She stated she would not be a partner in turning the Haredi public into a "plague" and compared the video's production to the era of Nazi Germany.

Benjamin Netanyahu Presents: 'Reserve and Go'
The chaos surrounding the Likud primaries serves Netanyahu, who from the outset dreamed of an 'arranging committee' to determine the list alone. No one will be surprised if this is the ultimate goal: turning Likud into a one-man party.

After the Blout controversy: Minister Israel Katz met with the forum calling for the cancellation of the Oslo Accords
The leaders of the "Returning Home" forum met with the Minister of Defense at his office in the Kirya. Katz: "The farm project is a central pillar of the State of Israel's new security concept after October 7th."