Age 70; veteran Likud politician in the Knesset since 1998; appointed Defense Minister in November 2024 and has overseen Israel's campaigns against Hezbollah in Lebanon and against Iran in 2026.
Positions and record
- One of Likud's longest-serving MKs, continuously in the Knesset since 1998
- Has held a wide range of senior portfolios across his career, including Foreign Affairs (twice), Finance, Energy, Transportation, Intelligence, and Agriculture
- As Transportation Minister, championed major infrastructure projects including the Tel Aviv light rail and intercity high-speed rail to Jerusalem
- Long-standing hawk on Iran; as Defense Minister has framed Israel's 2026 strikes as a legitimate response to the regime's nuclear and terror threats
- Leading the IDF's continued security presence in southern Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza to protect Israeli communities, and pushing for full Hezbollah disarmament
- Frequently mentioned as a future Likud leadership contender
Cite this page
Israel Katz, The State of Israel. https://thestateofisrael.com/mk/israel-katz