Israel Katz
ישראל כץ
Currently
Defense Minister
Who they are
Veteran Likud minister who has held the finance, foreign affairs, energy and transport portfolios.
Positions & record
- Security: Buffer zones and permanent freedom of operation.
- Infrastructure: A legacy of ports, rail and the tycoon tax.
- Party: Old-guard counterweight inside Likud.
Where they stand
Judea & Samariaparty lineExpand settlements; oppose Palestinian state
Two states / withdrawalSovereignty / annexation
Gaza & Securityparty lineOpen-ended security control
Deal & disengagementFull military control
Haredi Enlistmentparty lineNegotiated arrangement with Haredi allies
Universal draftPreserve exemptions
Judiciaryparty lineAdvance override and appointments reform
Strengthen the courtCurb the court
Economyparty lineMarket-oriented with populist spending
Social spendingFree market
Religion & Stateparty lineStatus quo with religious partners
Civil / pluralistHalachic status quo
Career
1998
First elected to the Knesset.
2019
Foreign Minister.
2024
Appointed Defense Minister.