Israel Katz’s Path to Defense Minister

November 6, 2024

by: Itamar Eichner ~ Ynetnews

Wednesday, 6 November 2024 | Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Foreign Minister Israel Katz as the country’s new defense minister Tuesday, replacing Yoav Gallant, who was dismissed for the second time in the current administration and in the middle of a war.

This marks the most senior position Katz has held to date and one that could bolster his path to potential leadership, following his two terms as foreign minister and previous stints as finance, transportation, energy, agriculture and intelligence ministers.

Katz, 69, has not been among Netanyahu’s closest allies, yet he has shown loyalty in the current  government, proving himself to be non-threatening in Netanyahu’s eyes. The prime minister likely believes that appointing Katz, a seasoned political figure, will alleviate public surprise and discontent over Gallant’s dismissal, as Gallant was widely seen as a competent defense minister with favorable ratings among Israelis. Netanyahu understood that an alternative appointment, such as Avi Dichter, might not receive public approval.

Over the years, Katz has built a reputation as a political “bulldozer,” especially during his tenure as transportation minister. However, in the past year, he faced significant criticism, particularly over the perceived decline in Israel’s international standing. Katz has since lowered his profile, focusing his efforts on consolidating his influence within the Likud party.

Katz was born in Ashkelon in 1955 to Holocaust survivors from Romania who lost most of their families in concentration camps. He grew up in the farming community of Kfar Ahim, studied at the Or Etzion yeshiva, and served in the Israel Defense Forces [IDF] paratroopers, reaching the rank of captain.

Early in his political career, Katz aligned with Ariel Sharon, establishing the “Sharon Camp” in the Likud Party following the Lebanon War and Sharon’s ousting as defense minister. Katz later became Sharon’s assistant at the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Since 1998, Katz has served in the Knesset [parliament], holding numerous influential roles. Twice, he was elected president of the Likud convention and twice as chairman of the Likud Secretariat; remaining in that role today.

Relationship with Netanyahu and Questions Surrounding the Appointment 

Katz understands the dynamics with Netanyahu, leaving US relations to Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer while focusing on the EU and the UN. Recently, Netanyahu has drawn Katz closer, inviting him into Israel’s wartime decision-making forum. Though Katz has experience as a member of the Security Cabinet, questions remain about whether a former IDF captain like Katz has the requisite experience to lead the Defense Ministry amid a multifront war. Some argue, however, that high-ranking military credentials have not guaranteed successful defense ministers, suggesting it may be time for a civilian leader less beholden to military norms. In the coming period, Netanyahu is expected to play a dual role as both foreign and defense minister, with Katz as a figurehead defense minister.

Posted on November 6, 2024

Source: (Excerpt of an article originally published by Ynetnews on November 6, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

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