Israel Katz

Katz, Zamir strike new partial deal on October 7 probes, top IDF 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.
 Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir. March 25, 2025.

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

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

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

 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

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


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.

'Hezbollah disarms or Israel acts': Netanyahu, Ortagus meet as Israel-Lebanon tensions flare

The talks come one year after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which Israeli officials say is eroding.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen walking in the hallways of the Knesset, in Jerusalem, November 3, 2025

Over 60 local leaders push Netanyahu to halt haredi draft bill, warn of social rift

“The IDF needs, more than ever, additional soldiers to carry the heavy burden of defending the state,” the letter said, arguing that mandatory service reflects Israel’s “shared destiny.”

A Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, December 1, 2025.

Israel must halt Houthi infiltration into Syria as Iran plans another multi-front war - opinion

Israel appears to have little choice but to undertake preemptive action to signal that a Houthi entrenchment in Syria will not be tolerated.

HOUTHI LOYALISTS hold up posters of then-Syrian president Bashar Assad during a march in Sanaa, Yemen, in 2013. During the Syrian Civil War, Houthi operatives were deployed by the Quds Force to fight Assad’s opponents, says the writer.

Netanyahu must be pardoned as Israel's security reality 'more complex than ever,' Katz says

Defense Minister Israel Katz called the pardon necessary as Israel faces a "more complex security reality than ever before."

 Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir during a discussion and a vote in the assembly hall of the Knesset in Jerusalem. March 6, 2023.

Editor's Notes: Zamir faces painful reckoning as the IDF confronts failures, fragile leadership

A rare look inside the emotional and moral struggle facing IDF leaders after October 7 and the cost of true accountability.

IDF CHIEF OF STAFF Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir prays at the Western Wall during the ceremony officially swearing him in as the military’s highest-ranking officer.

Afraid of accountability, Israel’s government goes after its own generals - opinion

What Katz did to Zamir this week is not about professionalism, governance, or oversight. It is about keeping the spotlight on the IDF and away from the government.

Defense Minister Israel Katz speaks during an IDF swearing-in ceremony for the new Military Advocate-General Itai Offir, November 27, 2025