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


Defense Ministry, Elbit Systems sign $183 million air munitions procurement deal

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the deal will strengthen the economy and reinforce national security, as well as equip the IDF to “meet security challenges both now and in the future.”

Elbit munitions

IDF chief Eyal Zamir makes secret DC visit, talks Iran military options with US officials

Israel is concerned that the Trump administration may reach a deal with Tehran regarding freezing uranium enrichment, but without fully addressing the ballistic missile threat.

CENTCOM's Adm. Brad Cooper meets with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on January 24, 2026.

Jewish worshippers hold daytime prayer at Joseph's Tomb for first time in 25 years

The service came following a decision by Defense Minister Israel Katz to expand entry hours to the site beyond nighttime visits.

Jewish worshippers pray during morning services at Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, West Bank, January 29, 2026

Gov’t legitimacy, elections: High Court hears arguments on decision to shutter Army Radio

The government decided in December to close the 75-year-old military broadcaster, following a committee’s recommendation and months of pressure from Defense Minister Israel Katz.

  The hearing in the Supreme Court in Jerusalem to examine the legality of the government’s decision to shutter Army Radio on Wednesday January 28, 2026.

Israel plans large camp for Palestinians in southern Gaza, retired general says

He does not speak on behalf of the IDF, which declined to comment. The Prime Minister's Office did not immediately provide comment on any plans to build a camp in Rafah.

Tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

Shutdown of Army Radio is 'political move,' lawmakers warn panel ahead of High Court hearing

The move also drew swift criticism from Attorney General Baharav-Miara, who warned it could amount to an unlawful effort to undermine public broadcasting and freedom of expression.

An illustrative image of a reporter for Army Radio (Galei Tzahal) taken in 2019.

As High Court review nears, state defends decision to shutter Army Radio

The state said the decision to close Army Radio was made “with complete legal authority,” based on a “solid legal foundation,” and with the close involvement of legal advisers.

An Israeli soldier holds an Army Radio microphone in Jerusalem, December 22, 2025

Israel approves $1.9B aid package for reserve soldiers

The reservists, said Netanyahu, “are on the front lines, and we stand with them and will continue to support them.”

 Reservist exercise in the North. January 17, 2024

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.

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

After two recent earthquakes, Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered a multi year plan to fortify strategic sites, upgrade warnings, and clarify emergency authority roles.

Israeli security and rescue forces take part in an earthquake drill at Ziv Medical Center, Safed, northern Israel, December 23, 2025; illustrative.