In a significant reshuffling of Israel's political leadership, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Israel Katz as the new Defence Minister, replacing Yoav Gallant, and named Gideon Saar as the new Foreign Minister.
This move comes amid ongoing shifts within Netanyahu’s cabinet, reflecting the need to strengthen his government’s positions both domestically and internationally.
Israel Katz, a veteran member of Netanyahu’s Likud Party, is known for his long-standing loyalty to the Prime Minister. Having served in various Cabinet roles since 2003, Katz's most prominent positions were as Minister of Transport and Minister of Finance.
During his tenure as Foreign Minister, Katz gained international attention for his outspoken and aggressive stance on Israel’s military actions, particularly regarding Gaza.
He has been a vocal critic of the United Nations, especially the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency), and led a diplomatic campaign that resulted in the agency's ban from operating in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem.
Katz’s leadership in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was marked by confrontations with world leaders, including a controversial move to declare UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “persona non-grata” in Israel after Guterres criticised Israel’s actions.
Katz’s shift to Defence Minister signals a continuation of his firm approach in Israeli politics. His appointment comes at a time when Israel is facing mounting security challenges, and his previous experience in government positions makes him a strategic pick to lead Israel's military and defence initiatives.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu appointed Gideon Saar as the new Foreign Minister. Saar is a seasoned politician with a rich history in Israeli politics, having served as the Education Minister, Interior Minister, and even as the Minister of Justice in past cabinets.
He initially entered the political arena with Likud but took a break from politics after resigning from his Cabinet post in 2014. Saar returned to politics in 2019, forming his own party, New Hope, and later aligning with Benny Gantz’s Blue and White alliance.
His move back into the coalition in 2022 was a pivotal moment, and following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, Saar was named as an observer in the Israeli war cabinet. His appointment as Foreign Minister highlights his return to the centre of Israeli governance after a period of opposition.
Saar’s tenure is expected to focus on managing Israel’s diplomatic relations, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict with Gaza and broader Middle Eastern politics.
With his extensive experience in both government and as a key member of the Knesset, Saar is seen as capable of strengthening Israel’s international ties and advancing its interests on the global stage.
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