Israel Katz

US envoy Tom Barrack’s Israel criticism tests his credibility as a mediator - analysis

Barrack’s apparent support for the Turkish-Syrian account over Israel’s may have undermined his credibility in Jerusalem as a mediator in potential Israel-Syria security talks.

S Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack accompanies US President Donald Trump (not seen) during a press conference following the annual NATO Summit at Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey on July 8, 2026; illustrative
IDF soldiers in the Bint Jbail stadium, southern Lebanon, July 15, 2026.

Katz orders IDF to accelerate destruction of Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon

(Illustrative) A Palestinian man stands next to a burnt car after an attack by Israeli settlers in Kafr Malik, in the West Bank, June 26, 2025.

Settler violence: Not a fringe problem, but a national security threat - editorial

Abu al-Duhur base is seen following reported Israeli strikes, Syria, August 18, 2026

Israel targeted Syria airbase over planned Turkish troop, radar presence, source confirms to 'Post'


Israel sanctions IRGC-linked crypto accounts funneling millions to Hezbollah, other proxies

These funds, totaling approximately NIS 24 million, were used to fund various Iranian terror proxies, including Hezbollah.

An illustrative image of Iran and Hezbollah's flags.

Rabbi hurls abuse at Zamir at Bnei Brak anti-draft protest: ‘May his name and memory be erased’

The rally, attended by hundreds of haredi men and led by former Sephardi chief rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, protested the drafting of yeshiva students to the army.

Protesters supporting the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men into the Israeli military block a road in the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, central Israel, in protest against the continued road blockades by ultra-Orthodox demonstrators following the arrest of draft evaders, June 26, 2026.

Israel developing space lasers to attack above the Earth, Katz says

"As of today, no country has the ability to mount attacks in space. We must be the leading country in the world with this capability," said Katz.

DELIVERED TO the IDF late last year, the Iron Beam system marks a historic milestone – the world’s first operational laser defense platform capable of neutralizing rockets, drones, and mortars at a fraction of the cost of traditional interceptors.

Lebanese army must clear Hezbollah from Yellow Line to Litani River, Katz says

Katz told CENTCOM Chief Adm. Brad Cooper that Israel will only partially, not fully, withdraw from any of its security zones in Lebanon, Syria, or Gaza.

People hold Hezbollah flags while commemorating Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, May 25, 2026.

Katz's position on Mossad's Kurds vs Iranian regime plan unclear after conflicting statements

Trump vetoed a Mossad plan to support Kurdish forces against Iran, fueling debate over which Israeli and US officials backed the proposal.

Iranian Kurdish fighters from the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) take part in a training session at a base on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq February 12, 2026.

Haredi protesters successfully halt draft dodger arrest near Jerusalem, police leave scene - report

Additional footage shared by KAN shows a police officer speaking with protesters, saying that "I didn't even bring any patrol cars, I came alone."

Haredi protests begin across Israel, June 24, 2026.

Cabinet clashes over claims IDF operations restricted in southern Lebanon

A cabinet exchange erupted after ministers said soldiers in southern Lebanon reported restrictions. Netanyahu and Katz denied claims, saying troops face no limits

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz attends an event for outstanding soldiers as part of Israel’s 78th Independence Day celebrations in Jerusalem on April 20, 2026.

Israel-Lebanon talks continue under US mediation despite deadlock over Hezbollah disarmament

The Israeli Embassy in the United States confirmed the extension of the talks, which entered their fourth day. The negotiating teams will return to the table at the US State Department in the morning

IDF troops operate in the Wadi Saluki area of southern Lebanon.

The final frontier: Israel aims to become world leader in space attack capabilities, Katz says

During the 2026 war, Israel struck multiple Iranian spacewar related facilities, including facilities working on developing capabilities to attack satellites in space.

Missiles launched from Iran are intercepted as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, June 18, 2025.

Netanyahu heckled, told to 'go home' during combat officer graduation ceremony speech

Members of the crowd shouted "Go home" at Netanyahu, although cheering could be heard afterward.

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir attend the graduation ceremony of an IDF officers’ course in southern Israel, June 25, 2026.