Israel Katz, Israel’s new Defence Minister, has been appointed amidst the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu replaced Yoav Gallant, his former Defence Minister, with Katz a prominent member of Netanyahu’s Likud party. This move marks a significant shift in leadership during a period of intense military engagement for Israel, with Katz stepping in as a trusted ally to Netanyahu. The decision reflects the growing need for alignment in the defense strategy amidst mounting challenges in both Gaza and Lebanon.

Israel Katz, a 69 year old veteran politician, has been a member of the Likud party for decades, having held numerous key ministerial roles since 2003. Katz’s political journey includes stints as Minister of Agriculture, Transportation, Intelligence, Energy, Finance, and Foreign Affairs. His career has seen both successes and controversies, including allegations of fraud and breach of trust during his tenure as Agriculture Minister, although these charges were eventually dropped.

Born in Ashkelon in 1955, Katz served as a paratrooper in the Israeli military during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. After completing his military service, he pursued higher education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Despite early setbacks in his political career, Katz won a seat in the Knesset in 1998 and quickly became a prominent figure in Israeli politics.

Katz’s long-standing relationship with Netanyahu is central to his political trajectory. His new appointment to the Defence Ministry solidifies his position as a key ally of Netanyahu, known for his hardline views and staunch support of Israel’s military objectives.

Katz is widely regarded as a hardliner, especially in his stance toward Palestinians and the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape. His policies have often aligned with far-right positions within Israel’s political spectrum, particularly regarding the Palestinian territories. Katz has long advocated for policies that seek to limit Palestinian influence and presence in contested areas, such as the West Bank and Gaza Strip. His rhetoric often echoes nationalist sentiments and calls for the preservation of Israel’s territorial integrity at the expense of Palestinian claims.

One of Katz’s most controversial statements came in 2022 when he warned Palestinian students in Israel about the potential consequences of their political actions, referencing the Nakba (the Palestinian displacement during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War). He threatened to teach them a lesson that would “not be forgotten,” a remark that underscored his tough stance on Palestinians.

Katz’s approach toward the Palestinian Authority (PA) has been similarly hardline. He has repeatedly called for severing ties with the PA and even suggested the dissolution of the organization should it pursue actions detrimental to Israeli interests. In 2023, Katz expressed support for the eviction of Palestinians from the occupied West Bank, viewing it as a necessary step in combating terrorism and maintaining Israel’s security. His rhetoric frequently invokes strong security measures and the use of military force to address perceived threats from Palestinian groups.

Katz’s relationship with the international community, particularly Western nations, has been more contentious than his predecessor’s. Yoav Gallant had earned a reputation as a moderate figure who could engage diplomatically with international partners, including the United States and the United Nations. Katz, by contrast, has a history of clashing with international bodies, most notably the United Nations.

Katz has been an outspoken critic of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides assistance to Palestinian refugees. He played a key role in Israel’s efforts to push for the defunding of UNRWA, accusing the agency of fostering Palestinian militancy. In October 2024, he declared that UN Secretary-General António Guterres was unwelcome in Israel, a sign of Katz’s increasingly combative approach toward global organizations that criticize Israeli policies.

Katz’s relationship with the Biden administration is also likely to be more strained than that of Gallant. While Gallant was seen as a stabilizing figure in US-Israel relations, Katz’s confrontational stance may lead to tensions, particularly over Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and its policies toward Gaza. However, Katz’s appointment may resonate more positively with Israel’s conservative allies, including Hungary and some segments of the American Republican Party, who share his hardline views.

Upon his appointment as Defence Minister, Katz outlined his vision for Israel’s military objectives in the ongoing conflict. His statement emphasized the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, the destruction of Hamas, the defeat of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the containment of Iranian aggression. These goals reflect Israel’s broader security strategy, which views these groups as existential threats to the nation’s stability.

Katz’s aggressive stance on security issues aligns with Netanyahu’s long-standing position that Israel must prioritize military might to protect its citizens. His remarks suggest that he will adopt a more hawkish approach to the conflict in Gaza and the broader Middle East, which may involve escalating military operations and intensifying Israel’s efforts to neutralize Palestinian and Hezbollah forces.

Katz’s appointment is likely to have significant implications for Israel’s relationship with its neighbors and the wider international community. His hardline stance may exacerbate tensions with Palestinian factions and neighboring Arab states, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon. However, his alignment with Netanyahu’s broader security vision may also help Israel present a united front in dealing with Iran and other regional adversaries.

On the global stage, Katz’s rhetoric could lead to further isolation for Israel, particularly in its dealings with European nations and the United Nations. His combative attitude toward international institutions could make it more difficult for Israel to garner diplomatic support, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict with Palestinians.

Israel Katz’s appointment as Defence Minister marks a significant shift in Israel’s political and military leadership during a critical period of conflict. Known for his hardline views and close alliance with Netanyahu, Katz is poised to play a central role in shaping Israel’s military strategy in Gaza and Lebanon. His views on Palestinians, the international community, and Israel’s security objectives will likely define his tenure, with implications not just for Israel but for the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.