Israel Katz

Force in Play

Warned sanctions could push Iran to 'desperate steps'

President Donald Trump said on Nov. 10 there was a 'good chance' of a deal with Iran and that the US would not launch a new offensive for now. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said sanctions were working so well that major combat operations were unnecessary, though he warned Iran against crossing 'red lines.'

Updated Yesterday

Force in Play

Directed demolitions and outpost legalization

Israel's Hebron operation entered its seventh day on October 29, and the West Bank-wide lockdown is still in place. Hebron's governor says 537 families, or 3,361 people, have been forced from their homes, including 232 infants and 326 older people.

Updated Oct 30

Force in Play

As of September 2026: Directing continued operations in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire deal

Israeli warplanes struck a three-story residential building in Kfar Rumman, a village in southern Lebanon, shortly after midnight on Monday. At least twelve people died, including a child and two women, and a separate drone strike killed two paramedics in a nearby car.

Updated Sep 8

Force in Play

As of August 2026: Publicly disputed US envoy's claim that Israel gave no warning before the Abu al-Duhur strike

Syria and Israel held US-mediated talks in Jordan on August 23, the highest-level session yet between the two governments. Syria's foreign minister led a delegation that included army and intelligence chiefs, but the meeting did not stop the attacks: Israel bombed targets near Damascus and in Lebanon days later.

Updated Aug 27

Force in Play

As of July 2026: Co-signed June 1 order with Netanyahu directing IDF to strike Beirut's Dahiyeh; confirmed Beaufort Castle capture

The US, Israel, and Lebanon signed a 14-point Trilateral Framework Agreement in Washington on June 26. It ties Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon to Hezbollah disarmament — Lebanon's army must first deploy to pilot zones, clear Hezbollah out, and pass a US-led assessment. Washington pledged $100 million in aid.

Updated Jul 4

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Directing military escalation in Lebanon; threatened indefinite occupation of 'security zones'

Israel's ground invasion of Lebanon, launched March 1, has systematically destroyed Litani River bridges. Strikes on April 4 targeted the Sohmor and Mashghara connections in eastern Lebanon.

Updated May 30

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Backing settlement expansion as a strategic-security project

Israel's cabinet quietly signed off on 19 additional Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, then kept it classified for days. Some are brand-new recognitions; others are outposts that were illegal even under Israeli rules, now getting a state stamp.

Updated May 15

New Capabilities

As of May 2026: Promoting Arrow 3 exports as strategic partnership and industrial engine

Germany just decided it doesn't want a "nice-to-have" missile shield. It wants a real one. On December 17, the Bundestag approved a major expansion of Germany's Arrow 3 procurement from Israel—roughly $3.1 billion more.

Updated May 15

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Backing targeted actions against Hamas during the ceasefire

A senior Hamas commander is killed in a targeted Israeli strike. The next day, thousands pack the streets of Gaza for his funeral, coffins hoisted shoulder-high, flags everywhere, chants loud enough to carry the message: Hamas is still here.

Updated May 15