Israel Katz

CNN reports that the US asked Israel to delay a possible strike on Iran, while Defense Minister Israel Katz denies plans for a pre-election attack.

The Boeing Apache Echo helicopters are expected to strengthen Israel’s operational capabilities and form part of the Defense Ministry’s long-term force-building strategy

Israel's government is set to vote on extending the special home front status until one week after the elections, pending Knesset committee approval.

Following intelligence indicating that Hamas may seek to attack Israeli forces on the anniversary of Oct. 7, Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered heightened readiness: “Harm to our soldiers will be met with an especially heavy price.”

At a memorial ceremony for the fallen of the Yom Kippur War at Mount Herzl, Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hamas and its supporters against abducting soldiers or civilians. He pledged that Israel would continue its campaign against Iran.

Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to respond forcefully to balloons, kites, and drones launched from Gaza toward communities near the border. Katz said the response could include targeted strikes, evacuating areas, and action against terrorist infrastructure.

Defense Minister Israel Katz sharply criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan amid recent developments between Turkey and Israel: “He would be better off continuing to deliver fantasy-filled empty speeches against Israel in the Turkish parliament.”

U.S. officials criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz’s statement yesterday that the IDF is preparing for a long-term presence in southern Lebanon. The Americans said: “An IDF presence in Lebanon is not consistent with the commitments that were made.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz visited IDF forces in Lebanon and said Israel does not plan to withdraw from security zones there, in Syria, or in Gaza. Katz said he has instructed the IDF to prepare for a long-term presence on the ground.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked Likud’s party tribunal to reserve a place for Defense Minister Israel Katz, citing an "exceptional security situation that cannot be detailed at this time." The request was approved. Ministers Gideon Sa’ar and Haim Katz will also receive reserved slots.

Yehoshua Shani, father of Capt. Uri Shani of blessed memory, has called for a thorough investigation into the care his nephew received after being severely wounded in fighting in Lebanon and hospitalized at Rambam. Shani says his nephew told his brother that staff turned him over in bed brutally, slamming his head into the mattress.

Defense Minister Israel Katz rejected claims that he announced on air the removal of the Central Command chief, saying the process of appointing his replacement had begun months earlier. He called the allegations “an absolute lie” and “a political campaign aimed at the government.”

Israel’s political and security establishments are in an uproar after Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a Channel 14 interview that he intends to remove Central Command chief Avi Bluth. The Yesha Council voiced support for both men.

Defense Minister ישראל כ"ץ held a security assessment today with the IDF’s top brass. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene the inner cabinet tomorrow. Israel’s assessment: Iran may try to pull the region into a full-scale war if the U.S. expands its strikes.

Defense Minister ישראל כ"ץ said he instructed IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir to remove Omri Ronen from all reserve-duty frameworks after Ronen’s calls for refusal to serve. According to Katz, the IDF must remain outside political disputes.

According to Ynet, Israel is working with India to combine Israeli defense technology with Indian manufacturing capabilities in a new strategic initiative.

Defense Minister Israel Katz has asked President Isaac Herzog to erase former soldier Elor Azaria's criminal record, despite opposition from the IDF.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham has died at 71. His office said he passed away yesterday after a sudden, fast-moving illness. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz mourned him as “a true friend of the State of Israel and one of its strongest and most steadfast supporters.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel will remain in its security zone in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed and the threat to northern communities is eliminated.

At a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu ruled out approving the sale of Zim to a company with Qatari-Saudi ownership, with Defense Minister Israel Katz also opposing the deal.