Israel Katz

Jewish worshippers hold daytime prayer at Joseph's Tomb for first time in 25 years

The service came following a decision by Defense Minister Israel Katz to expand entry hours to the site beyond nighttime visits.

Jewish worshippers pray during morning services at Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, West Bank, January 29, 2026
  The hearing in the Supreme Court in Jerusalem to examine the legality of the government’s decision to shutter Army Radio on Wednesday January 28, 2026.

Gov’t legitimacy, elections: High Court hears arguments on decision to shutter Army Radio

Tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

Israel plans large camp for Palestinians in southern Gaza, retired general says

An illustrative image of a reporter for Army Radio (Galei Tzahal) taken in 2019.

Shutdown of Army Radio is 'political move,' lawmakers warn panel ahead of High Court hearing


Netanyahu letting Katz, Zamir battle over shaping IDF General Staff - analysis

What began as a political alliance has evolved into a deeper fight over control of the IDF, with Netanyahu and Katz pushing changes Zamir views as overreach.

 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

Katz slams IDF chief Zamir: IDF inquiries and promotions must follow agreed process

Katz said the IDF is subordinate to decisions of the political echelon, headed by the prime minister, and that the defense minister’s role is to ensure those decisions are implemented.

Prime Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli minister of Defense Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir at the graduation of an IDF officers' course, October 30, 2025.

Defense Minister Katz moves to extend IDF service to 36 months

In the statement, Katz indicated that combat soldiers and other conscripts who are already serving and scheduled to complete their service during 2026 may have to delay their discharge from the IDF.

Minister of Defence Israel Katz visits the Mahaneh Yehudah Market in Jerusalem, on September 2, 2025.

Katz rejects appt of Col. (res.) Gitelman, claims he promoted draft dodging

"Those who preach or encourage refusal will not serve in the IDF and will not be promoted to any position," Katz said.  

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir attends the funeral of Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin, who's body had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza since 2014 and released a few days ago, at the Kfar Saba military cemetery. November 11, 2025.

Israel approves 2026 state budget incl. NIS 112 b. designated for defense spending

Opposition leader and Yesh Atid chair Yair Lapid said the government is approving "a budget of corruption and draft-dodging."

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at cabinet meeting to vote on 2026 budget, December 5, 2025.

IDF Chief of Staff Zamir to hold meeting over new commanders, contradicting Defense Minister Katz

Katz recommended suspending the discussions, arguing that they could resume only after the Defense Ministry comptroller reviews the probes from November.

Prime Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli minister of Defense Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir at the graduation of an IDF officers' course, October 30, 2025.

'Hezbollah disarms or Israel acts': Netanyahu, Ortagus meet as Israel-Lebanon tensions flare

The talks come one year after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which Israeli officials say is eroding.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen walking in the hallways of the Knesset, in Jerusalem, November 3, 2025

Over 60 local leaders push Netanyahu to halt haredi draft bill, warn of social rift

“The IDF needs, more than ever, additional soldiers to carry the heavy burden of defending the state,” the letter said, arguing that mandatory service reflects Israel’s “shared destiny.”

A Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, December 1, 2025.

Israel must halt Houthi infiltration into Syria as Iran plans another multi-front war - opinion

Israel appears to have little choice but to undertake preemptive action to signal that a Houthi entrenchment in Syria will not be tolerated.

HOUTHI LOYALISTS hold up posters of then-Syrian president Bashar Assad during a march in Sanaa, Yemen, in 2013. During the Syrian Civil War, Houthi operatives were deployed by the Quds Force to fight Assad’s opponents, says the writer.

Netanyahu must be pardoned as Israel's security reality 'more complex than ever,' Katz says

Defense Minister Israel Katz called the pardon necessary as Israel faces a "more complex security reality than ever before."

 Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir during a discussion and a vote in the assembly hall of the Knesset in Jerusalem. March 6, 2023.