Israel Katz
Israel Katz is an Israeli lawmaker and member of the Likud Party. He currently serves as the country's defense minister, having previously served as this government's foreign minister and energy minister.
Katz has served many other ministerial roles in the past, specifically as transportation minister, agriculture minister, intelligence minister, and finance minister.
He is considered a hardliner in Israeli politics regarding peace and security, supporting settlements and West Bank annexation, but has also advocated for the establishment of an autonomous Palestinian entity.
Netanyahu, IDF chief lead meeting with top US officials as Trump mulls attack on Iran - exclusive
The meeting took place as the US was deliberating whether to join Israel in strikes against Iran.
A dramatic turning point: How to define victory in the war against Iran - opinion
Katz: Hezbollah chief 'is not learning a lesson from his predecessors, I suggest he be careful'
Katz directly threatens to assassinate Khamenei, shake Iranian regime
E3 countries seek pathway to diplomacy with Iran, Hezbollah leader offers help to Iran
IAF intercepts Iranian drones near Dead Sea • IAEA chief identifies Isfahan as Iran's planned uranium enrichment site • Smoke, explosions in Tehran, Rasht
Katz: Israeli tornado strikes Tehran, this is how a dictatorship collapses
Katz said "symbols of the regime are being blown up and collapsing, from the official state broadcaster and soon other such targets."
Shin Bet mourns Capt. Tal Movshovitz, killed in combat in southern Gaza
Movshovitz is the 11th casualty of the security agency since the October 7 massacre.
Israel Katz threatens Khamenei: Be careful you don't end up like Saddam Hussein
This constitutes the most clear escalation of Israel considering assassinating Khamenei to date.
Iran threatens Israel's Channel 12, Channel 14 news stations after strike on Iranian TV
This follows an Israeli strike on the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN), operated by IRIB, earlier the same day.
Israel Katz backtracks on threat to 'residents of Tehran' over Iranian missile attack
In the coming hours, Israel is expected to order residents of various neighborhoods in Tehran to evacuate, followed by strikes on infrastructure and government buildings.
Israel's seven-member National Security Cabinet met regularly to discuss Iran strike, source says
The seven were the only cabinet members who knew about the expected strike prior to the full cabinet meeting on Thursday evening.
Iran targets Israeli civilians on supreme leader's order, senior cabinet minister tells 'Post'
Israel had prepared for the possibility that the war could last for weeks, but that timeline may now be shortened.
Katz: IDF burning to the ground anything military related in Tehran
Katz's statements come after Iranian missiles struck central Israel, with over 10 Israelis killed and at least 250 wounded within two days.
WATCH: 'Tehran is ablaze': Israel strikes massive oil depot near Iranian capital, fire rages
Israel also targets the headquarters of Iran's Defense Ministry • Defense Minister Israel Katz: "Tehran is ablaze"
Israel Katz: 'If Khamenei continues to fire missiles at Israeli civilians, Tehran will burn'
The defense minister made these statements after finishing a situational assessment with the IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Mossad Director David Barnea, and other Israeli military leadership.