Israel Katz

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

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

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

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

  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.

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


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.

'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.