Israel Katz, Benjamin Netanyahu’s new Defense Minister, who is he?

INTERNATIONAL – It is qualified as « bulldozer » by the media of his country. Israel Katz is the new Israeli Defense Minister, appointed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The latter announced, in a press release released on Tuesday evening, November 5, that he had appointed this 69-year-old man to replace Yoav Gallant, after differences over the conduct of the war in Gaza.

After his appointment, Israel Katz, known for his direct and sometimes abrasive style, said: “We will work together to lead the Ministry of Defense to victory against the enemy and achieve the objectives of the war: the return of the hostages (…), the destruction of Hamas, the defeat of Hezbollah, the containment of Iranian aggression and the safe return of the people of the north and south (of Israel) to their homes.”

Diplomatic battle against UNRWA

Born in the coastal city of Ashkelon, Israel Katz has been an important player in Israeli politics since becoming a member of Parliament, the Knesset, in 1998. Prior to his appointment to Defense, he was Minister of Defense. Foreign Affairs and member of Likud, Netanyahu’s ruling party. This devotee of “Bibi” has held several ministerial positions since 2003.

As head of diplomacy, Israel Katz attracted international attention with his targeted attacks against leaders and organizations that had criticized Israeli military operations, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

In particular, he waged a diplomatic battle against the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, whose activities the Israeli Parliament recently banned. On Monday, it was he who asked his ministry to officially notify the UN that Israel was canceling its agreements with UNRWA.

Minister of Energy, Finance, Transport…

In October, Israel Katz sparked outrage by declaring « persona non grata » in Israel the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, and writing in a message on X that he would prohibit him from entering his country.

Before becoming Minister of Foreign Affairs, this long-time ally of Netanyahu was mainly Minister of Transport. He spent ten years in this role, from 2009 to 2019, but also held the Energy and Finance portfolios in several Netanyahu governments.

Aviv Bushinsky, a political commentator and former Netanyahu chief of staff, told AFP that Israel Katz would likely be more in tune with the prime minister than his defense predecessor Yoav Gallant. “I don’t remember a single incident in which Israel Katz opposed Netanyahu on anything”he commented.

Shortly after the dismissal of Yoav Gallant, thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv to express their anger and demand that his successor, Israel Katz, prioritize an agreement on the return of hostages still held in Gaza.

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