Israel Katz

Defense Minister Katz:

Maj. Gen. Amir Baram appointed Defense Min. Dir. General

Defense Minister Israel Katz decided today to appoint Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Amir Baram, to the position of Director General of the Ministry of Defense.

Defense Minister:

New department for voluntary departure of Gazans established

A dedicated directorate will be established in the Defense Ministry that will offer extensive assistance to any Gaza resident who wishes to voluntarily emigrate to a third country.

100s of hours, 0 personal findings

IDF to publish findings of 10.7 investigation

For the first time, the Israeli public will be presented with official explanations and findings regarding the causes and circumstances leading to the Hamas surprise attack. Findings regarding individual officers will not be published.

Netanyahu to Government:

'We are facing historic opportunities'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir on his appointment as Chief of Staff, emphasized his offensive approach and noted the importance of historic opportunities facing Israel.

Defense Minister reiterates:

If there are UAVs launched, there won't be Hezbollah

Defense Minister Israel Katz responds to IDF elimination of Hezbollah aerial unit terrorist, stressing that UAV launches constitutes a serious violation of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon.

Defense Minister Katz:

'If Hamas stops releasing hostages there will be war'

Defense Minister Israel Katz held a security consultation today (Wednesday) in the Operations Directorate's command post and threatened: "The new Gaza war will be different in intensity."

Minister Katz:

'Whoever enters the buffer zone takes his life in his hands'

Defense Minister Israel Katz commented on footage of Gazans walking around 300 meters away from the border with Israel: 'Zero tolerance for anyone who threatens IDF forces or the fence area and the communities.'

Samaria military operation expands to Nur Shams

Security forces expand Operation Wall of Iron to include Nur Shams, IDF warns of military exercise in eastern Israel. 'We won't allow Iran to create an eastern terror front that will threaten Jewish towns in Samaria,' Defense Minister Israel Katz warns.

Defense Minister to Chief of Staff:

Reprimand intelligence chief who spoke out against Trump plan

'There will not be a situation in which IDF officers speak out against US President Trump's important plan for Gaza,' Defense Minister Israel Katz warns.

Defense Minister:

'Countries that criticized Israel must accept Gazan immigrants'

Defense Minister Israel Katz says IDF will prepare detailed plan to enable implementation of President Trump's vision for immigration of Gazans.

Defense Minister:

'Prepare to implement Trump's Gaza plan'

Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the IDF to prepare a plan for voluntary emigration of Gaza residents.

Drone threat

Watch: Defense Ministry tests advanced interception technologies

Israeli defense industries and startups demonstrated various drone interception and neutralization capabilities using both projectile-based systems and counter-drones at a testing field in southern Israel.

Defense Minister:

'We will use all our force to eliminate threats'

Defense Minister Israel Katz toured the Israeli positions in Lebanon and delivered a warning to Hezbollah that Israel would not tolerate any aggression.

Defense Min. threatens:

'One mistake - and you'll meet old friends'

Defense Minister Israel Katz warns terrorist Zakaria Zubeidi, released in prisoner swap deal, not to incite or participate in terror. 'One mistake, and you'll go to join old friends. We will not accept support for terror.'

Hegseth to Katz:

'US fully supports Israel's right to defend itself'

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth holds introductory call with Defense Minister Israel Katz, reaffirms the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel.

Defense Minister:

'IDF will remain in Jenin after operation ends'

Defense Minister Israel Katz declares today that the operation would soon expand to other PA cities, and that the IDF would station permanent forces to prevent terrorism returning.

Defense Minister:

'IDF will remain on Hermon peak indefinitely'

Minister Israel Katz inspects IDF positions on Hermon peak, says Israel will not return to the reality of October 7 and will not be dependent on others for its defense.

Defense Minister:

'Next Chief of Staff must lead an offensive policy'

Defense Minister, Israel Katz, concludes a round of interviews with candidates for the IDF Chief of Staff position.

Defense Minister announces 3 candidates for next Chief of Staff

Minister Israel Katz says he will interview Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Amir Baram, Director General of the Defense Ministry, Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir, and Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, to replace outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.

Minister Katz near Gaza:

'We will respond with force to every breach or threat'

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz visits reception point for returning hostages, ahead of the release of Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher from Hamas captivity.

Defense Minister cancels warrants against Yesha residents

Defense Minister cites release of terrorists in hostage deal in decision to free 5 Judea and Samaria residents to their homes. 'Better for the families of Jewish settlers to be happy than for the families of released terrorists.'

Defense Ministry departments prepare to tend to released hostages

Defense Minister Katz and Director General Zamir have directed that all Ministry capabilities be made available for implementing the hostage release deal, receiving the returning hostages, and supporting their families.

'What Katz did was selektion'

Hostages' families attack Defense Minister over emerging deal

Family members of hostages in Gaza disrupted the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee session protesting the emerging deal that will only bring some of the hostages home in its first stage.

Defense Minister Katz:

'New law to include personal sanctions on draft dodgers'

Defense Minister Israel Katz today laid out the key points of the proposed haredi draft law, among them a list of economic penalties for failure to meet enlistment goals.

Minister Katz:

'We won't let Judea and Samaria become Gaza or southern Lebanon'

Minister of Defense Israel Katz visited Judea and Samaria and met with commanders and soldiers in the region.

Minister Katz to IDF:

Plan the total destruction of Hamas if hostages are not freed

The Minister of Defense instructed the IDF to come up with a plan to completely destroy the terror organization if it does not release the hostages before US President Trump takes office.

IDF leadership, Defense Minister clash over October 7th probe

Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered IDF Chief of Staff Halevi to fully cooperate with the State Comptroller's probe into the IDF's conduct leading up to and during the October 7th Massacre.

Defense Minister:

'Growing Iranian threat in Judea and Samaria'

Defense Minister Israel Katz met with governors of Judea and Samaria and told them 'We are seeing steadily growing threats to Judea and Samaria from the Iranian axis.'

PM Netanyahu receives recommendations for defense budget

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich receive Nagel Committee recommendations for examination of the defense budget.

Defense Minister rejects predecessor's statements on Draft Law

'No place for cynical and political use of a matter as ethical as enlistment in the IDF,' Defense Minister Israel Katz says, slamming former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Minister Katz in Gaza:

'Security control of Gaza will remain in the IDF's hands'

Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the Philadelphi Corridor in the Gaza Strip and stated: 'There will not be a political Hamas here and there will not be a militant Hamas here - there will be a different reality here thanks to the fighting that continues every day.'

Haniyeh elimination

Iran responds to Defense Minister Katz's claim of responsibility

Iran's ambassador to the UN writes to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, says Iranian attack on Israel in October should be recognized as legitimate after Defense Minister Katz claimed responsibility for the elimination of Hamas leader.

Defense Minister:

'IDF must release full recordings of fallen soldiers'

Defense Minister Israel Katz directed the IDF to release nearly complete recordings from the night of October 7th to the families of soldiers killed in the massacre.

Defense Minister:

We'll deal with the Houthi leaders in Sana'a and in all of Yemen

Defense Minister Israel Katz visits Arrow missile defense battery which intercepted a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis in Yemen. 'Whoever sponsors Houthi terror will pay the price.'

1st time:

Defense Minister says Israel eliminated Ismail Haniyeh

Minister Israel Katz confirms for first time that Israel eliminated the leader of Hamas in Tehran in warning to the Houthis.

Defense Minister in Lebanon:

'If Hezbollah breaches ceasefire, we'll crush it'

Defense Minister Israel Katz visited southern Lebanon in preparation for the next stages of implementing the ceasefire agreement. 'We have hit Hezbollah with unprecedented strength. We have removed the fangs of the snake.'

Defense Minister:

'No appointments before investigation'

Defense Minister Israel Katz has set an ultimatum for Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, stating he will not approve new generals in the IDF until investigation reports for October 7 are presented.

Defense Minister Katz comes full circle: 'It was very moving'

Defense Minister Israel Katz, a former paratrooper, shared the moment he came full circle during a visit to the peak of Mount Hermon.

Defense Minister Katz:

'We will keep security control and freedom of operation in Gaza'

Defense Minister Israel Katz denies reports that Israel is not interested in maintaining control of the Gaza Strip. 'We will not allow the reality to return to what it was before October 7th.'

Defense Minister:

Vast majority will support a deal, we're closer than ever

Defense Minister Israel Katz confirms prisoner swap deal with Hamas 'closer than ever,' stresses that 'it's better to speak less.'

Defense Minister:

We'll remain in the Hermon area during the winter months

Defense Minister Israel Katz instructs IDF to remain in conquered areas of the Hermon during the winter months. 'Enormously important for security.'

MK Amit Halevi to DM:

'Approve home demolitions of terrorists who caused injury'

MK Amit Halevi appeals to Defense Minister Katz: Bring to the Cabinet a decision to demolish the homes of terrorists who have injured people - a step that will increase deterrence.

After Assad's fall:

IDF increases efforts to prevent terror attacks in Judea, Samaria

Defense Minister Katz instructs IDF to increase preparations for the defense of Judea and Samaria communities and traffic routes against terrorist attacks inspired by the rebels in Syria.

Min. Katz to Sec. Austin:

'Chance now for deal to return all hostages, including Americans'

Defense Minister Israel Katz tells US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin: "The zero-tolerance policy towards violations of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon will continue."

At meeting with bereaved families

Defense Minister: Goal of eliminating Hamas remains unchanged

Defense Minister Israel Katz meets bereaved families, expresses his intention to meet the goals of the war: The war will not stop as long as there is even one hostage in Gaza.

Defense Minister:

No change in administrative detention policy

Defense Minister Israel Katz denies changing his stance on ceasing administrative detention in Judea and Samaria.

Sources:

IDF spokesman's words are a 'major warning sign'

Sources close to Defense Minister Israel Katz say he is likely to let IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari's statements slide following apology and reprimand from IDF Chief of Staff, but will not ignore such statements in the future.

Minister Katz reveals:

IAF participated in pager explosions

The Defense Ministry spokesperson changed the text of Defense Minister Katz's remarks at the Tel Nof Airbase to omit the detail, but in the footage it released he is heard clearly mentioning the attack that wounded thousands of Hezbollah terrorists.

Defense Minister:

We separated Hezbollah from Lebanon, this can't continue

'If ceasefire collapses, Lebanon will no longer be exempt - we will enforce the agreement powerfully and with zero patience,' Defense Minister Israel Katz promises.

PM on Hezbollah mortar attack: Israel will respond forcefully

Defense Minister Israel Katz states that Hezbollah's firing of mortar rounds at Mount Dov will be met with a harsh Israeli response. "What was will not be."

Defense Minister Katz meets Argentinian counterpart

Argentinian Defense Minister Dr. Luis Alfonso Petri delivered a message from President Javier Milei reaffirming Argentina's steadfast support for Israel's right to self-defense.

Defense Minister Proposes:

Demolish homes of terrorists who failed to kill

The Defense Minister plans to propose demolishing the homes of terrorists who injured Israelis but failed to kill any, expanding the current policy.

Report:

Netanyahu, Katz want Halevi to step down in 2-3 months

Kan 11 News report says Israel’s political leadership wants IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi to step down around the conclusion of the 60-day trial period for the Lebanon ceasefire agreement.

Katz to UK Defense Sec.

'We expect UK to join efforts to prevent Hezbollah’s armament'

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz held his first conversation today with UK Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, and emphasized Israel would act to prevent Iran from smuggling weapons into Lebanon.

Amid ceasefire:

Local leaders announce return to routine, Katz overrules

Heads of authorities in the Golan and Galilee inform residents of a return to routine after talks with the defense establishment. Minister Katz rejects the IDF's recommendations and reverses the decision.

Netanyahu and Katz:

IDF ordered not to allow return to Lebanese border villages yet

PM and Defense Minister order IDF not to allow residents of Lebanese villages on the border with Israel to return to their homes yet, as stipulated by the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

Samaria rabbi offers alternative to administrative detention

Rabbi Elyakim Levanon, Rabbi of Samaria, spoke with the Minister of Defense after he announced the cessation of using administrative detention and suggested an alternative.

Lloyd Austin speaks with Defense Min. Katz on Lebanon ceasefire

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on potential ceasefire deal with Lebanon, regional threats, and ongoing Israeli operations.

In Depth:

Administrative detention orders in Judea and Samaria

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Friday morning that he has decided to stop the use of administrative arrest warrants against Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria. What was this practice, and how will the decision change Israel?

Minister Katz ends administrative detention against settlers

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Friday morning that he has decided to stop the use of administrative arrest warrants against Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria.