Israel Katz officially became Israel’s Defense Minister today, following the dismissal of Yoav Gallant. The transition was marked by a handover ceremony at the Defense Ministry, attended by senior officials from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and ministry staff.
In his address, Katz expressed his dedication to supporting the IDF and its operations, vowing to lead with full force in confronting the nation’s security challenges. He outlined his key priorities, including countering Iranian aggression, dismantling Hamas, and defeating Hezbollah, assuring the public that Israel would emerge victorious in these ongoing efforts.
Katz also took the opportunity to address his predecessor, Yoav Gallant, expressing his admiration and respect for Gallant’s work in strengthening Israel’s defense strategy. He reassured Gallant that their shared commitment to Israel’s security would continue, despite the change in leadership. “We were friends and we will remain friends,” Katz said.
Gallant, in his farewell speech, acknowledged the difficulty of his departure but highlighted the achievements during his tenure, particularly in reshaping Israel’s strategic positioning. Despite ongoing challenges, including the return of hostages, Gallant reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security, vowing to continue serving the country in a new role. His legacy, he said, would endure as Israel faces these critical security challenges.
