Israel Katz

Defense Minister intensifies war against burning garbage

Amendment to security order to allow improved enforcement, deter environmental offenders.

10/7 in Judea and Samaria

Defense Minister's warning: Prepare for an attack

Defense Minister Israel Katz said sustained IDF operations cut terror by over 80%, ordering preparations for possible October 7-style attacks in Judea and Samaria.

First time in 25 years:

Historic: Jews to be allowed at Joseph's Tomb even during daytime

Defense Minister Israel Katz approves Jewish visitors to Joseph's Tomb during daylight hours, in first since the year 2000.

Security forces seal Beit She'an terrorist's house

Dozens of suspects from the terrorist's city were arrested for questioning, and his house was sealed as a prelude to demolition.

Following double terror attack: IDF prepares to enter Qabatiya

Beit She'an terrorist identified as 37-year-old Ahmad al-Roub, a 37-year-old Qabatiya resident, Defense Minister orders Qabatiya terror infrastructure decimated.

Defense Minister:

'Israel will never leave the territory of Gaza'

Minister Israel Katz assured that even after returning the Gaza Strip to Arab control, Israel will continue to hold a buffer zone inside the enclave.

Netanyahu warns Iran:

'We do not seek confrontations, but we remain vigilant'

Thirty-five new aircrew members received their wings at Hatzerim Airbase as Israel’s leaders praised the Air Force’s central role in defending the nation during ongoing regional challenges.

Katz is not waiting

Dozens of IDF radio presenters suspended

Dozens of Galei Tzahal and Galgalatz presenters, who are employed as consultants, were notified that they will be suspended from January 1st.

Defense Minister approves new appointments in IDF leadership

Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the appointments of Brig. Gen. Omer Tishler and Maj. Gen. Eyal Harel as commanders of the Air Force and the Navy.

'No settlements in Gaza

Defense Minister walks back comments on Gaza communities

Defense Minister Israel Katz walks back statement that Israel will establish youth communities based on the IDF in Gaza.

Government approves the closure of Galei Tzahal radio

The government unanimously approved this morning Defense Minister Israel Katz's proposal to close the Galei Tzahal radio station.

Preparing for prosecution

Who will judge the Nukhba Terrorists?

The Ministers of Defense and Justice led a discussion on prosecuting the Nukhba terrorists after the October 7 massacre and explored the possibility of establishing a dedicated military tribunal.

Pollard to PM, Defense Minister:

'Approve raising of Israeli flag in Nisanit tomorrow'

Jonathan Pollard says raising the Israeli flag in Nisanit on Hanukkah will show strength, hope, and Israel’s resolve against its enemies.

Defense Ministry moves strategic projects to Jerusalem

An agreement signed today between the Ministry of Defense and the Jerusalem Municipality will regulate the transfer of security infrastructures and strategic projects to the capital.

"אתם המכבים החדשים"

Israel Katz lights first Hanukkah candle with injured soldiers

Defense Minister Israel Katz visits Sheba Medical Center, offering encouragement and support to injured IDF soldiers and their families, and promising to support them throughout their journey.

Defense Minister, Chief of Staff

Agreement to consolidate October 7 investigations

Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir agreed to join their separate probes into the failures of October 7. Defense Comptroller to join as observer/

Defense Min. blocks promotion of 'Brothers in Arms' officer

Minister Israel Katz says 'anyone who promotes refusal to serve won't advance in the IDF.'

Agreements reached:

Defense budget for 2026 set at 112 billion shekels

After late-night discussions, a defense budget of 112 billion shekels was agreed upon. The Prime Minister decided that the defense budget will increase by 350 billion shekels over the next decade.

Defense Min. visits soldiers wounded in Hamas ceasefire violation

Defense Minister Israel Katz visits IDF soldiers wounded in Hamas' violation of Gaza ceasefire, offering support and promising to destroy Hamas.

Itai Ofir assumes role of Military Advocate General

Attorney Itai Ofir enters his new post as Military Advocate General during a ceremony at the Kirya, as senior officials highlight the challenges facing the IDF and the imperative of restoring public trust.

Military secretary involved in sensitive security misstep

The IDF confirmed that Brig. Gen. Guy Markizeno’s classified cellphone was stolen and remotely neutralized, but then-Minister Yoav Gallant was never informed despite the sensitivity of the case.

Defense Minister clarifies: No administrative detentions

Defense Minister Israel Katz, lawmakers clash over administrative detentions of Jews.

Netanyahu attempts to resolve crisis between Chief of Staff, DM

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intervenes in the escalating crisis between Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

'There will be no cover-up':

Defense Minister's associates criticize the Chief of Staff

People close to Defense Minister Israel Katz say additional measures will be taken against senior IDF officers following the investigations into the October 7th massacre.

Zamir slams Defense Minister’s move to halt IDF appointments

The IDF Chief of Staff’s office issued a rare rebuke of Defense Minister Katz, accusing him of politicizing the Turgeman Report and harming military readiness by freezing appointments.

PM, ministers condemn riot, arson in Judea and Samaria

Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed full support for the Central Command chief and called for strict action against the rioters involved in the arson and vandalism in an Arab village.

Defense Minister clarifies

'A Palestinian state will not be established'

Minister Israel Katz responded this morning to the American proposal to the UN that includes steps that facilitate the future establishment of a Palestinian state.

Defense Minister Katz

'Soldiers should serve in the IDF, not in a broadcasting station'

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the proposed resolution to close Galei Tzahal will be submitted to the government for approval in the coming weeks and that there is 'no going back.'

Defense Minister orders closure of Galei Zahal radio station

Defense Minister Israel Katz decides to close Galei Zahal radio station; broadcasts will cease by March 1, 2026.

Defense Minister appoints Itai Ofir as MAG amid PM’s objections

Adv. Itai Ofir will assume the role of Military Advocate General despite reported opposition from Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office.

Katz to Erdogan:

'You’ll only see Gaza through binoculars'

Defense Minister Israel Katz blasts Erdogan after Turkey issued arrest warrants for 37 Israeli officials: Take your ridiculous warrants and leave.

Security Cabinet discussion:

IDF Chief opposes deporting Rafah terrorists

Security Cabinet convenes to discuss developments across the combat zones. Chief of Staff Zamir on “trapped” Rafah terrorists: They should be killed, not deported.

Defense Minister declares war on drone smuggling

Defense Minister Israel Katz declares area near Egypt-Israel border to be closed military zone, changes open-fire protocols and classification of drone smuggling threat.

New MAG

Minister Israel Katz clarifies appointment to Likud members

Minister Israel Katz responds to criticism over the appointment of Itai Ofir as MAG: An excellent candidate who supported settlement efforts - even when bureaucrats opposed them.

Defense Min. appoints Adv. Itai Ofir as Military Advocate General

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announces the appointment of Adv. Itai Ofir as the new Military Advocate General, replacing Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, who was removed from her position.

Minister Katz clarifies:

Military Advocate General was dismissed, her rank will be revoked

Defense Minister Katz stresses again that he dismissed Military Advocate General Tomer-Yerushalmi over her role in the Sde Teiman leak, after she submitted a resignation letter.

Defense Minister fires Military Advocate General

Defense Minister Israel Katz says Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi will be removed from her position, promises to bring everyone involved in Sde Teiman 'blood libel' to justice.

Red Cross banned from visiting Nukhba terrorists

Following recommendation from ISA, Defense Minister Israel Katz signs bill banning Red Cross representatives from visiting Hamas Nukhba terrorists imprisoned in Israel.

In first since Oct. 7 massacre:

Defense Minister Katz ends 'special home front situation'

Defense Minister Israel Katz approves IDF's recommendation, removing 'special situation' status for home front for the first time since the October 7 massacre.

Defense Minister:

Israel will defend its northern border against every threat

Defense Minister Israel Katz visits Israel-Lebanon border with US envoy Morgan Ortagus, receiving briefing on IDF efforts to thwart Hezbollah terror activities.

Defense Minister admits: 60% of tunnels still intact

Defense Minister Israel Katz admits most of Hamas' terror tunnels are still intact, instructs IDF to prioritize demolition.

Defense Minister to Vance: Majority of Hamas tunnels still intact

Channel 12 News reports that Defense Minister Katz told VP Vance that over 60% of Hamas tunnels remain. IDF continues demolitions during ceasefire, stressing tunnel removal as vital to Gaza’s demilitarization under Trump’s plan.

VP Vance ends visit with unusual conference with IDF officers

J.D. Vance will devote the final day of his visit to Israel to meetings with the defense minister and senior IDF officials to closely review the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

Defense Minister to Hamas: Evacuate immediately, or face attack

Defense Minister Israel Katz instructs IDF to warn Hamas that any presence in IDF-controlled areas will be met by attack.

Cabinet to vote on renaming the war to 'War of Rebirth'

Israel’s cabinet will vote Sunday on renaming the war from “Swords of Iron” to “War of Rebirth,” a title Netanyahu has promoted for over a year, citing its symbolic and strategic significance.

Israel to physically mark 'yellow line' in Gaza

Defense Minister Israel Katz says IDF will mark boundaries between Israeli- and Hamas-controlled areas of Gaza. 'Forces will fire on anyone crossing the boundary.'

Rare medal to be awarded to heroes of the Swords of Iron war

During a memorial ceremony for the October 7th massacre, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that he would award the Medal of Valor to select units - a medal last awarded in 1975.

IDF prepares for decisive action against Hamas if war resumes

Defense Minister Israel Katz instructs the IDF to draft a comprehensive plan to defeat Hamas in Gaza should hostilities resume.

Released hostage: 'I have merited to live my life anew'

Hamas captivity survivor Bar Kupershtein gifts Defense Minister Israel Katz a bracelet with the words, 'Always in the Creator's hands.'

Defense Minister:

IDF will destroy Hamas' tunnels after hostages' return

Defense Minister Israel Katz says 'greatest challenge' is destroying terror tunnels in Gaza, IDF to destroy Hamas' tunnels after hostages return to Israel.

Severe Criticism:

Does Minister Katz's use double standards?

Military correspondent Doron Kadosh reports that senior IDF officers 'express shock,' claiming that appointments that should have been based on professional considerations, have become political.

Defense Minister

'If Hamas refuses deal, Israel will intensify attacks'

Defense Minister Israel Katz said at the state memorial ceremony for the fallen of the Yom Kippur War that an announcement on the return of the hostages may come soon. According to him, the intensity of the military pressure produced a reversal in Hamas’s position.

IDF retakes Netzarim Corridor

Defense Minister Israel Katz said the IDF’s recapture of the Netzarim Corridor cuts Gaza in two, isolating Hamas in Gaza City as operations press forward until hostages return.

After stopping terror attack

Min. Eliyahu demands Col. Nechama be returned to active duty

Minister Amichai Eliyahu sent a letter to Defense Minister Israel Katz in which he requested that Col. (res.) Hezi Nechama be returned to active reserve service. "The IDF needs officers who want to win"

Israel Katz: 'Israeli flag will fly above capital of Yemen'

Defense Minister Israel Katz sends threatening message to Yemen's Houthi rebel group following hit on Eilat hotel.

Defense Minister:

'If Hamas doesn't release the hostages, Gaza will be destroyed'

Defense Minister Katz visited the Gaza Strip and spoke with the troops taking the city of Gaza.

Katz answered a video call - Hackers filmed and shared it

A Turkish hacker group published the phone number of Defense Minister Israel Katz. One of the hackers called him via a video call and recorded the screen

Defense Min.: All partners in massacre will be held to account

Defense Minister Israel Katz says 'Summit of Fire' intended to eliminate senior Hamas leaders, stresses anyone who was a partner in the October 7 massacre will be punished.

PM decided to strike Hamas leaders in Doha after shooting attack

Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz publish joint statement saying the decision to target Hamas leaders in Doha was made after 6 people were murdered in a shooting attack yesterday.

Defense Minister's order:

Sanctions on Ramot terrorists' neighbors and families

Minister Katz instructed the imposition of a series of civil sanctions on the relatives of the terrorists who carried out the murderous attack in Jerusalem and residents of their villages.