How Yisrael Katz’s New Role Affects the Wars in Gaza and Lebanon and the Recruitment of the “Haredim”

Immediately after the dismissal of the Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, by the Prime Minister of the Israeli occupation, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the appointment of Yisrael Katz as his successor, there has been increased discussion about the expected consequences of this move on the future of the military establishment in the state of occupation, and the relationship between political and military levels, as well as the ongoing war on Gaza and Lebanon.

Yehuda Shlezinger, a correspondent for the Hebrew newspaper “Israel Today,” reported that “Katz has been a member of the Political-Security Cabinet for over a decade, but in the coming days, he will become the Minister of War.”

Shlezinger added, as translated by Sunna Files Website: “Those close to him dismiss criticisms that he lacks understanding in security and military affairs, claiming that he is well-acquainted with this field, and that he is thoroughly familiar with security issues.”

He continued: “While Gallant often disagreed with Netanyahu on issues such as hostages, the inquiry commission, and the recruitment of the Haredim, reflecting a fundamental difference with him in closed discussions, Katz’s position is entirely different, as his views align with those of the Prime Minister, indicating that he has been a part of most governments formed by Netanyahu, having served as the Foreign Minister twice, and as the Minister of Intelligence and Finance.”

Shlezinger noted that “Katz agrees with Netanyahu on the ongoing war on Gaza. While the heads of the security agencies supported Gallant in ending the war and moving towards a prisoner exchange deal, Katz believes that the war should not end until military pressure has been applied that leads to the release of hostages and the destruction of Hamas.”

He also explained that “another opinion of his aligns with Netanyahu’s regarding the Philadelphia Corridor, which has recently been a subject of broad public discussion. According to Katz, the occupation must control the corridor to prevent arms smuggling and destroy border tunnels.”

“On the northern front, Katz, like Netanyahu, believes that Hezbollah should be pushed back beyond the Litani River and substantial security guarantees obtained,” according to the same report translated by Sunna Files Website

However, he noted that “Katz differs from Netanyahu on the evacuation of northern settlers, as he opposed the move at the beginning of the war, claiming that it could lead to the evacuation of more of them.”

Regarding the issue of recruiting Orthodox Jews, “Katz, unlike Gallant, does not believe that issuing 7,000 draft orders to the Haredim is an effective solution because it is a measure that has not been effective for decades, but Katz still believes that dialogue, negotiations, and agreements with the Haredim are the right solution.”

Shlezinger concluded by saying, “On the Iranian issue, Katz claims that there is a need for significant economic sanctions from around the world against Iran, prompting one Likud Knesset member to believe that Katz is not foolish, but at the same time not brave, and thus he will not oppose Netanyahu.”