Israel Katz, who beforehand served as Israel’s international minister, has been appointed as the brand new protection minister. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made this choice following his dismissal of Yoav Gallant from the position. Netanyahu cited a insecurity in Gallant’s dealing with of the nation’s army operations, which embrace ongoing actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
Early Life and Navy Service
Born in 1955 within the coastal metropolis of Ashkelon, Israel Katz has longstanding roots in Israel. He started his army profession in 1973, serving as a paratrooper throughout a tumultuous interval in Israel’s historical past, and remained energetic till 1977.
Though he has an intensive army background, Katz lacks expertise in senior command positions, distinguishing him from his predecessor, Yoav Gallant, a former common.
Political Profession and Roles in Knesset
Katz’s political profession started in 1998 when he grew to become a member of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, the place he joined varied influential committees associated to international affairs, defence, and justice. Through the years, he has held an array of ministerial roles throughout key sectors, together with agriculture, transportation, intelligence, finance, and vitality.
Time as Israel’s International Minister
In 2019, Katz was appointed as Israel’s international minister, the place he made daring diplomatic strikes. Certainly one of his notable actions was his sharp criticism of the United Nations Secretary-Normal, Antonio Guterres, whom Katz labeled persona non grata for what he perceived as Guterres’ failure to firmly denounce Iran’s missile strikes on Israel.
Moreover, Katz instructed the international ministry to provoke authorized proceedings towards French President Emmanuel Macron after Israel was excluded from a army naval commerce present in Paris.
Restricted Engagement with the U.S.
Within the ongoing battle since October 2023, Israel’s relations with america have been pivotal, but Katz has saved a comparatively low profile in these diplomatic exchanges.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has steadily traveled to Israel, however his interactions with Katz have been restricted. Blinken’s main conferences have been with Gallant, highlighting a distinction within the U.S.’s engagement with Israel’s defence management.
Training and Private Life
Israel Katz pursued his larger training at Hebrew College in Jerusalem, finishing each undergraduate and graduate research. He’s married and has two kids.
