Israel Katz

'Zero tolerance': Katz bans Omri Ronen from IDF service following reserve duty refusal remarks

Ronen, who joined The Democrats Party in February, is a leader of the Brothers and Sisters in Arms organization, having participated in protests against the government’s judicial reform. 

New member of the Democrats party Omri Ronen at a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on February 16, 2026.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine hold a briefing amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, at the Pentagon in Washington.

'Committed to protecting Israel from every threat': Katz confirms he spoke with Hegseth on Iran war

Israeli soldier Elor Azaria, who was caught on video shooting a wounded Palestinian assailant in the head as he lay on the ground, sits during a hearing at a military appeals court in Tel Aviv during which he was charged with manslaughter on April 18, 2016.

Israel Katz's populist push to pardon Elor Azaria puts Israel at serious risk - comment

Elor Azaria sits to hear his verdict in a military court in Tel Aviv, Israel, January 4, 2017

Katz requests pardon for Elor Azaria, convicted of killing incapacitated Palestinian attacker


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