Israel Katz is the Minister of Defense of Israel. Known for his hawkish positions on Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas, and his advocacy for sustained Israeli military dominance across multiple fronts. Recently, Katz has overseen IDF operations in Lebanon, Gaza, and Iran, repeatedly threatening and authorizing strikes while pushing for indefinite Israeli security zones. Last updated 1 day ago
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz at the Order of the Wings ceremony: "The IDF is alert and ready to renew the campaign and carry out a blue-and-white strike on Iran, a third time as well."
An "air bridge" to Washington is forming, i24NEWS reports. Senior Israeli officials, including defense figures, are expected in the U.S. capital in the coming weeks, against the backdrop of stalled U.S.-Iran talks and the framework agreemen...
An "air bridge" to Washington is forming, i24NEWS reports. Senior Israeli officials, including defense figures, are expected in the U.S. capital in the coming weeks, against the backdrop of stalled U.S.-Iran talks and the framework agreement signed with Lebanon.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar is expected to meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio in about a week and a half. Talks are also advancing on a visit by Defense Minister Israel Katz.
A source familiar with the matter: "The military option is still on the table."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will meet Netanyahu on Wednesday to discuss a possible F-35 sale to Turkey, a source told Reuters. He is also set to meet Defense Minister Israel Katz, with Iran on the agenda.
Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz: Khamenei was killed for leading efforts to destroy Israel. Any Iranian leader who pursues those plans "will be killed as well."
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced sanctions on dozens of crypto wallets worth 24 million NIS belonging to the IRGC and intended to finance Hezbollah's terror operations.
Katz: "The campaign against Iran is not only conducted on the battlefield, but also in the fight for money. We will continue to hit all the financing axes of the Iranian terror axis."
Trump linked Iran and Lebanon because he wanted to reach a deal with Tehran. That prevented us from delivering a massive blow to Hezbollah across Lebanon.
I informed the commander of U.S. Central Command: W...
Israel's Defence Minister Katz:
Trump linked Iran and Lebanon because he wanted to reach a deal with Tehran. That prevented us from delivering a massive blow to Hezbollah across Lebanon.
I informed the commander of U.S. Central Command: We will not withdraw from the security zones in Gaza, Syria, or Lebanon.
The fighting with Iran will resume either because President Trump decides the negotiations have been exhausted, or because Iran fires at Israel.
REPORT: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz to military reporters: linking the Iran and Lebanon arenas is an American interest, and without it Hezbollah would have collapsed.
"When President Trump linked Iran and Lebanon, we stopped bring...
REPORT: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz to military reporters: linking the Iran and Lebanon arenas is an American interest, and without it Hezbollah would have collapsed.
"When President Trump linked Iran and Lebanon, we stopped bringing down buildings in Beirut. The link between the arenas is an American interest, and these are the constraints of the partnership with the U.S. Without a link between Lebanon and Iran, Hezbollah would have collapsed. We moved to Plan B - deepening the Yellow Line zone in southern Lebanon."
Katz said four phone calls took place between PM Netanyahu and Trump before the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding was signed. The shift, he said, came in a fifth call he did not take part in - but Netanyahu did.
"In the fifth call I wasn't there, and the President applied pressure that ultimately created the link between the arenas. From that moment, residents returned to southern Lebanon and Hezbollah thickened its presence in the south."
"The agreement with Lebanon constitutes a strategic blow to Iran. I have issued, along with the Prime Minister, directives to the army to prepare for a long stay in the security zone".
Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz: "If Iran attempts to attack Israel to prevent the implementation of the [Israel-Lebanon] agreement, we will act against it with great force."
Defense Minister Israel Katz says the IDF will maintain its security zone in Lebanon, including the Beaufort Castle ridge, and will not withdraw as long as Hezbollah has not been disarmed throughout the country.
Katz hailed yesterday's Isr...
Defense Minister Israel Katz says the IDF will maintain its security zone in Lebanon, including the Beaufort Castle ridge, and will not withdraw as long as Hezbollah has not been disarmed throughout the country.
Katz hailed yesterday's Israel-Lebanon deal as "historic" and a "strategic blow to the Iranian axis," saying Iran attempted to force a withdrawal through threats and pressure on the U.S. "and failed."
He warned Tehran: "If Iran attempts to attack Israel to prevent the implementation of the agreement, we will act against it with great force."
“The commander of Iran's Quds Force, Qaani, has recently been issuing numerous threats toward Israel. It seems the image of a collaborator suited him much better than this ridiculous barrage of threats. Either way, if Iran attacks Israel, it will be its biggest mistake yet. Here, no Hormuz or firing at the population will help it. Nothing will stop us. Our forces are prepared to finish the job.”
At an IDF officers' graduation ceremony, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said troops will remain in designated security areas in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza "without any time limit" to protect Israeli communities.
Katz stated, "We will n...
At an IDF officers' graduation ceremony, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said troops will remain in designated security areas in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza "without any time limit" to protect Israeli communities.
Katz stated, "We will not compromise on Israel's supreme security interest: protecting our soldiers and safeguarding our citizens, and we will not withdraw from the security zones."
He also warned that if "Iran attacks Israel because of our actions in Lebanon, or for any other reason, we will strike it with full force."
