Israel Katz

Israel lifts wartime restrictions nationwide, authorizes Independence Day ceremonies

The IDF, Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar, and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the nationwide lifting of restrictions on Friday, with northern communities seeing them lifted on Saturday.

 People walk on Jaffa street in Jerusalem, during Israel's 76th Independence Day celebrations, May 13, 2024.
A HOLOCAUST survivor lights a torch during a ceremony held at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem, as Israel marks annual Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Women of the Wall call on Katz to include women in national Remembrance Day ceremony

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits IDF troops in southern Lebanon, published April 12, 2026.

WATCH: Netanyahu, Defense Minister Katz visit IDF troops in southern Lebanon

Activists including Greta Thunberg, stand on a boat that is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian expedition to Gaza, as seen from the port in Barcelona, Spain August 31, 2025

Turkey seeking nearly 5,000 years in prison for Netanyahu over October Gaza flotilla


Katz makes fiery statements on Lebanon, more injured in missile barrages

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise. 

Defense Minister Israel Katz gestures during joint statements to the press with Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias in Athens, Greece, January 20, 2026

Katz: We'll turn southern Lebanon into a wasteland like Gaza, 'Qassem can meet Khamenei in hell'

While the move marks a dramatic escalation, it still does not amount to a full-scale invasion along the lines of the 2024 campaign, as forces are not advancing all the way to the Litani River.

 IDF troops from the 91st Division operating in Southern Lebanon, published on March 16, 2025.

IDF confirms 400th strike wave in Iran since start of Op. Roaring Lion

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Saturday morning that Israel was "entering the decisive stretch" in its campaign in Iran.

Smoke rises in the distance following an airstrike at the same time a Quds Day demonstration takes place on March 13, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.

Macron offers to host Israel-Lebanon ceasefire talks in Paris to avoid descent 'into chaos'

“Everything must be done to prevent Lebanon from descending into chaos,” Macron wrote on X/Twitter.

Illustrative image of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Israel is preparing for largest-scale ground offensive in Lebanon since 2006 war - Axios

According to the report, Israel plans to seize the entire area south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure, in what officials say would "be like Gaza."

Israeli military vehicles and tanks are seen along the border with Lebanon, March 7, 2026

Israel brief to ICJ rejecting genocide claims likely delayed by Iran war

The ICJ had given Israel several extensions over the last year to file the brief, with the most recent extension being until March 12.

 Judges arrive at the International Court of Justice at the start of a hearing where South Africa requests new emergency measures over Israel's attacks on Rafah, as part of an ongoing case South Africa filed at the ICJ in December last year, The Hague, Netherlands May 17, 2024.

Israel's political Right celebrates Sde Teiman case dismissal as rights groups condemn it

It is important to understand that the defendants were not exonerated, and the indictments were dropped on the basis of ‘Haganah min hatzedek’ - when one’s right to a fair trial has been violated.

 Demonstrates protest against the detention of Israeli reserve soldiers suspected of assaulting a Hamas terrorist, at the Sde Teiman military base near Beersheba, July 29, 2024.

Israel Katz contradicts IDF, threatens large invasion of Lebanon after Hezbollah barrage

Just before Katz's statement, multiple IDF sources told The Jerusalem Post that the IDF is still not in favor of launching a full invasion of Lebanon, despite Hezbollah's heavy attacks on the North.

Defense Minister Israel Katz at Jerusalem City Hall, December 15, 2025.

IDF Chief Zamir orders reinforcements to the North for potential broader invasion against Hezbollah

The IDF is ramping up operations in southern Lebanon, moving key forces and expanding attacks on Hezbollah strongholds, as direct confrontations on the ground escalate.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir seen on November 3, 2025

Israel decided to kill Khamenei in November, Katz reveals in N12 interview

The plan was eventually shared with the Washington and brought forward around January after protests broke out Iran, according to Katz.

Defense Minister Israel Katz gestures during joint statements to the press with Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias in Athens, Greece, January 20, 2026