On Monday, November 11, 2024, Israel’s newly appointed Defense Minister, Israel Katz, held his first meeting with the General Staff Forum and other military and defense officials. During the meeting, he launched a strong attack on Iran and stated that the war in Lebanon would not end anytime soon.
Katz remarked, “Iran is at greater risk than ever before when it comes to damaging its nuclear facilities. There will be no ceasefire in Lebanon. We will not back down until we achieve the objectives of this war, and the people will not receive any relief for now.” His tough rhetoric has sparked widespread discussion, and many are eager to know more about who Israel Katz is.
A Career of Key Ministerial Positions Since 2003
At 69 years old, Israel Katz was appointed Defense Minister by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Netanyahu dismissed Yoav Gallant. Katz, seen as a close ally of Netanyahu, has held various key ministerial positions since 2003, including Agriculture, Transportation, Intelligence, Energy, Finance, and Foreign Affairs (twice).
Military Service in 1973
Katz was born in 1955 in Ashkelon, a city near the Palestinian village of Majdal, which his family had abandoned during the 1948 Nakba. In 1973, Katz enlisted in the Israeli military, serving as a paratrooper for four years. After completing his service, he studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Defeats in Early Elections
Katz ran for a seat in the Knesset in 1992 and again in 1996 but faced defeat both times. In 1998, he finally won a seat and has since served on several committees. In 2007, Israeli police suggested that while serving as Agriculture Minister, Katz had engaged in political appointments through fraud and breach of trust. However, the investigation was closed by the Attorney General at the time.
Game-Changing Decisions
During his time in government, some of Katz’s decisions have been considered game-changers, particularly for Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community and those living in the country’s peripheral areas. He is widely regarded as someone who will align with Netanyahu’s vision for the country and the broader region.
