Israel Katz

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.

Defense Min. to Hamas: 'Powerful hurricane will hit Gaza City'

Defense Minister Israel Katz warns Hamas of 'powerful hurricane' unless they lay down their weapons, release the hostages.

Defense Minister weighing:

Worshipers to be allowed to visit Joseph's Tomb on Rosh Hashanah?

Defense Minister Israel Katz considers allowing Jews to stay at Joseph's Tomb for three days during Rosh Hashanah.

Defense Minister: Gates of hell have opened in Gaza

IDF issues first evacuation warning for multi-story terror building in Gaza, ahead of strike.

Defense Minister:

Houthis resumed firing, we'll complete the Ten Plagues

Defense Minister Israel Katz responds to increase in Houthi missile launches, warns more retribution to come.

Following Yemen strike:

Security for Israeli officials increased to unprecedented level

Security for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and other senior officials increased to unprecedented levels following elimination of Houthi Prime Minister and other ministers.

IDF:

Min. Katz, IDF Chief of Staff agree on IDF appointment procedure

During their meeting, the two concluded the IDF's appointment procedure, which will continue to include prior consultation out of a commitment to full cooperation and strengthening the military's capabilities.

Defense Minister:

Brazil's president has revealed his true face as an antisemite

Defense Minister Israel Katz responds to declaration of Brazil's President Lula as persona non-grata, condemns withdrawal of Brazil from IHRA.

Defense Minister: Israel will remain on Mount Hermon

Defense Minister Israel Katz responds to reports of upcoming ceasefire with Syria, promising Israel will maintain control of areas necessary for its security.

Netanyahu:

Houthis are learning the heavy price of attacking Israel

PM Netanyahu congratulates IAF on 'impeccable mission,' notes Houthi terror group is 'learning the hard way' the prices of aggression against Israel.

Defense Minister: Gates of hell will open in Gaza

Defense Minister Israel Katz announces approval of IDF plan to defeat Hamas in Gaza through use of heavy fire, evacuations, and maneuvering.

Defense Min. approves Gaza City plan 'Gideon's Chariots 2'

'Gideon Chariots 2' follows the previous “Gideon Chariots” operation, which led to the decisive defeat of Hamas throughout the majority of Gaza and allowed the IDF to take control of 75% of Gaza’s territory.

Hamas aims for partial deal, IDF preparing to take Gaza City

Security officials say there has been no significant in negotiations, prompting the IDF to ramp up preparations to take control of Gaza City.

Defense Minister

'Fear we'd conquer Gaza brought Hamas back to negotiating table'

Amid reports Hamas has given a positive response to the latest ceasefire proposal, Minister Israel Katz says the threat of an IDF operation in Gaza City allowed diplomacy to resume.

IDF strikes power plant deep in Yemen with naval attack

The IDF struck early this morning in Yemen's capital. Local media claimed that the strikes were aimed at the Haziz power plant in southern Sanaa.

'Promises must be kept'

Captivity survivors urge Katz to bring hostages home

Captivity survivors and families of hostages hold Shabbat reception outside the Defense Minister's home: "We are here to tell all the hostages - we are fighting for you! The people of Israel stand here together, we will not give up."

Zamir to Katz

'Trust and cohesion are key to victory'

The Chief of Staff and the Defense Minister met for the first time since the widely reported tensions over a series of military appointments that the minister had yet to approve. 'Victory on the battlefield does not depend solely on military strength.'

Reconciliation attempt:

Katz, IDF Chief to meet amid growing tensions

Efforts are underway to schedule a meeting between Defense Minister Katz and Chief of Staff Zamir amid tensions over IDF appointments and Gaza strategy disagreements.

Defense Min. to IDF: Read the investigations and lower your gaze

Defense Minister Israel Katz promises there will no longer be 'army that is not under supervision,' rejecting attempts to undermine established procedures following the October 7 events.

Report:

Zamir denied entry to meeting amid tensions with Defense Minister

The Chief of Staff sought to approve new military appointments but was turned away. Katz’s office: He was told the Minister was unavailable, yet came anyway.

Clash at the top:

Chief of Staff announces appointments, Defense Minister opposes

Staffing discussion led by Chief of Staff results in a series of senior IDF appointments, but Defense Minister Katz announces he will not approve them. Chief of Staff Zamir: "The Chief of Staff is the sole authority in appointing commanders at the rank of colonel and above."

Defense Minister

'The Red Wedding participants are waiting for Khamenei'

Minister Israel Katz reacts to Iranian publication of a list of Israeli officials for assassination. 'I suggest to the Iranian dictator Khamenei that when he emerges from his bunker, he occasionally looks up to the sky and listens carefully for any buzzing.'

Galei Tzahal controversy

Defense Minister on radio station: Status quo cannot continue

Defense Minister Israel Katz signs off on committee to review future of IDF's radio station Galei Tzahal; committee to submit its recommendations within 50 days.

From Yeshiva to IDF:

Sons of ministers draft to IDF

Sons of ministers Amichai Eliyahu and Bezalel Smotrich and head of Hesder Yeshiva in Holon, Rabbi Haggai Lundin, draft to IDF.

Protest outside DM's home

'Until they return, it’s not Shabbat for us'

Captivity survivors and families of hostages hold Kabbalat Shabbat in front of Defense Minister Israel Katz's home: "On Fridays in captivity, we would make kiddush over water and say the blessing over bread. Until all the hostages return, we will not have a real Shabbat meal.”

Defense Minister Katz defends IDF Chief of Staff amid criticism

Defense Minister Israel Katz responds to Yair Netanyahu’s criticism of IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, praising his leadership in tackling security challenges and emphasizing IDF’s offensive operations and commitment to achieving war objectives.

Defense Minister:

'IDF must carry out politicians' orders'

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated during his visit to Gaza that he will ensure the IDF carries out all decisions by the Cabinet regarding the war.

Defense Minister prays at Western Wall on Tisha B'Av

On Tisha B'Av, Defense Minister Israel Katz prayed at the Western Wall for the return of the hostages, the safety of IDF soldiers, and victory over Hamas terrorists.

Ministers, MKs demand civilian access to northern Gaza

Badra Yosef leaves country after husband's passing amid dwindling Jewish presence; only four Jews remain in Yemen.

Defense Min on day after

'We need the IDF to be around & Inside Gaza'

Defense Minister Israel Katz outlines his vision for the day after the war in Gaza: "The goal is to defeat Hamas; we need to be responsible for security in Gaza."

Defense Min.:

If Hamas won't release hostages, gates of hell will open on Gaza

Defense Minister Israel Katz warns 'gates of hell' will open on Gaza if hostages aren't released, stresses IDF's superhuman efforts to protect Gaza civilians.

Defense Min. to Khamenei: 'Do not threaten, lest you be harmed'

Defense Minister Israel Katz praises IAF for its role in Operation Rising Lion, warns Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei that Israel's long arm can reach Tehran again - 'this time, even to you personally.'

'Terrorism pays off':

Israeli leaders slam Macron for recognizing Palestinian state

Israeli leaders condemn French President Emmanuel Macron’s announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state, accuse him of rewarding Hamas and betraying the Jewish people.