Israel Katz

Israel Katz publishes IDF chief's letter warning of manpower shortage amid haredi draft debate

Zamir sent the letter after attacks on the government for failing to push for haredim to draft into the IDF in large numbers.

 Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir. March 25, 2025.
Israeli security and rescue forces take part in an earthquake drill at Ziv Medical Center, Safed, northern Israel, December 23, 2025; illustrative.

Next years 'critical' for Israel's earthquake preparedness, Israel Katz warns

Defense Minister Israel Katz and his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias inspect the honour guard, prior to their meeting in Athens Greece, January 20, 2026

Iran, Turkey must forget 'dreams of empires,' Israel Katz warns at summit with Greek counterpart

An attorney has urged the Shin Bet to act after three Jewish hilltop youth allegedly attacked a pregnant Arab woman in Jaffa, warning that settler violence is being shifted from the West Bank into Israel’s cities.

IDF admits failure to sufficiently reduce Jewish violence against West Bank Palestinians


IDF appoints Arik Ben-Dov as new acting IDF US defense attache

Brig. Gen. Arik Ben Dov has officially assumed the role of the military's acting defense attache to the US, replacing IDF Maj. Gen. Hadi Zilberman.

IDF, Border Police conduct large-scale counterterrorism operation in Kalkilya, December 4, 2025.

Israel Katz, IDF chief Eyal Zamir strike partial deal on October 7 probes, top appointments

The largest remaining issues are the fate of Tishler and the next Air Force chief, as well as the next defense attache in Washington.

 An illustrative image of Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

Israel Katz approves IDF chief's appointments, holds off General Staff approvals amid public spat

According to the defense minister, the remaining dispute might be resolved in the coming days - though originally he said there would be no resolution before the end of December.

 Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir. March 25, 2025.

What did the gov’t approve for Israel’s 2026 state budget? - explainer

The 2026 budget passed its first test, yet the battles over defense, taxes, and reforms expose a government more focused on managing crises than shaping policy.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich after a press conference at the ministry, December 4, 2025; illustrative.

Netanyahu letting Katz, Zamir battle over shaping IDF General Staff - analysis

What began as a political alliance has evolved into a deeper fight over control of the IDF, with Netanyahu and Katz pushing changes Zamir views as overreach.

 IDF chief Eyal Zamir, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Israel Katz seen during a military briefing, in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 30, 2025

Katz slams IDF chief Zamir: IDF inquiries and promotions must follow agreed process

Katz said the IDF is subordinate to decisions of the political echelon, headed by the prime minister, and that the defense minister’s role is to ensure those decisions are implemented.

Prime Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli minister of Defense Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir at the graduation of an IDF officers' course, October 30, 2025.

Defense Minister Katz moves to extend IDF service to 36 months

In the statement, Katz indicated that combat soldiers and other conscripts who are already serving and scheduled to complete their service during 2026 may have to delay their discharge from the IDF.

Minister of Defence Israel Katz visits the Mahaneh Yehudah Market in Jerusalem, on September 2, 2025.

Katz rejects appt of Col. (res.) Gitelman, claims he promoted draft dodging

"Those who preach or encourage refusal will not serve in the IDF and will not be promoted to any position," Katz said.  

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir attends the funeral of Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin, who's body had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza since 2014 and released a few days ago, at the Kfar Saba military cemetery. November 11, 2025.

Israel approves 2026 state budget incl. NIS 112 b. designated for defense spending

Opposition leader and Yesh Atid chair Yair Lapid said the government is approving "a budget of corruption and draft-dodging."

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at cabinet meeting to vote on 2026 budget, December 5, 2025.

IDF Chief of Staff Zamir to hold meeting over new commanders, contradicting Defense Minister Katz

Katz recommended suspending the discussions, arguing that they could resume only after the Defense Ministry comptroller reviews the probes from November.

Prime Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli minister of Defense Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir at the graduation of an IDF officers' course, October 30, 2025.