Department of Strategic Security and Military Studies 07-11-2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited a “crisis of trust” as his reason for dismissing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and appointing Israel Katz in his place. This shift comes just as the world’s attention is focused on the U.S. presidential election.

Who Is Israel Katz?

A Brief Look at Katz’s Background:

Israel Katz, a right-wing Likud politician born in 1955, has held several ministerial roles, the latest being Foreign Minister. He also served on the National Security Cabinet in Netanyahu’s 37th government. On November 5, 2024, Netanyahu relieved Yoav Gallant from his post as Defense Minister, replacing him with Katz.

In his first statement as Defense Minister, Katz declared, “Together, we will drive our security system towards victory over our enemies and achieve our war goals: bringing all captives home, dismantling Hamas in Gaza, defeating Hezbollah in Lebanon, curbing Iranian aggression, and ensuring the safe return of residents in the north and south to their homes.”

Katz is known for his hardline stance against the Arab presence in Palestine, strong support for settlement expansion, and staunch opposition to a two-state solution. He is also the architect of a controversial initiative, first raised during Israel’s offensive on Gaza following Operation Al-Aqsa Storm. His proposal involves creating an artificial island off Gaza’s coast to relocate Gaza’s residents.

Katz’s Early Life and Education:

Katz was born on September 21, 1955, in Ashkelon to Romanian Holocaust survivors Meir Katz and Malka Neidwitch. He grew up in the Kfar Ahim settlement, maintaining a connection to agriculture, and is now married with two children.

In November 1973, Katz joined the Israeli Defense Forces, serving in the paratrooper brigade and reaching the rank of captain. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, followed by master’s studies at Bar-Ilan University, though he did not complete his degree.

From Student Leadership to Politics:

While at Hebrew University, Katz led the Student Union, working to expand government support for education, create student housing, and assist students in reserve service. He co-founded the security and cleaning company Gelshan, providing job opportunities for students. Katz also led a campaign, with current National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, against perceived incitement from Arab students, sometimes with actions described by the media as aggressive.

In 1981, Katz faced disciplinary charges due to confrontations during student protests, which resulted in his suspension from Hebrew University for a year. He later founded the “Young Men for Israel” movement, rallying against draft resistance during the First Lebanon War, with former Chief of Staff Rafael Eitan’s support.

Political Milestones:

Katz ran for Knesset with Likud in 1996, officially joining the Knesset in 1998. Over the years, he served on several key committees, including Foreign Affairs, Security, and Finance. Appointed Minister of Agriculture in 2003, he later served as Minister of Transport and Intelligence. Supporters credit him with major infrastructure improvements in ports, highways, railways, and aviation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he held the post of Finance Minister, steering Israel’s economic policy through the crisis. In 2023, he transitioned to Energy Minister, managing the country’s electricity, gas, and water sectors, before returning to the Foreign Ministry in January 2024.

Katz’s Vision: The Artificial Island for Gaza

Katz’s bold idea proposes an artificial island off Gaza’s coast, featuring a port, residential towers, and a civilian airport, aimed at relocating Gaza’s residents. This ten-year-old concept envisages a Mediterranean island connected to Gaza via a five-kilometer bridge, potentially turning it into a commercial hub and economic development zone benefiting Gaza and the wider region.

Following Israel’s military campaign against Gaza in late 2023 and early 2024, Katz raised the proposal again with European counterparts, although it was met with silence. Subsequently, the Foreign Ministry firmly denied any proposal to displace Gaza’s residents, stating that Katz had merely suggested building a port on an artificial island as a Palestinian gateway to the world.