Israel Katz in the news for defense moves: new military tribunal plan for Oct. 7 attackers; cabinet OK’d a big defense complex in East Jerusalem. Katz, born 1955, Likud MK and Israel's Defense Minister.
On March 2, 2026, the US and Israel conducted coordinated military strikes against Iran, targeting military and nuclear infrastructure amid escalating regional tensions. Iran responded with missile attacks across the region, including Israel and Gulf states. Diplomatic talks continue, but conflict risks remain high.
The US dispatched 2,200 Marines to the Middle East amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran. President Trump signals the conflict could last weeks, with potential ground involvement and internal Iranian power struggles influencing the timeline. Iran retaliates with missile attacks on Israel and regional targets.
Tensions in the Middle East have sharply increased as Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones in retaliation for recent strikes. The conflict involves attacks on US and regional targets, with Israel and the US conducting military operations against Iran and Hezbollah. The violence has caused casualties, infrastructure damage, and regional instability.
The US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, claiming preemptive action to prevent nuclear proliferation. Experts argue the attacks breach international law, as they lack UN Security Council approval and evidence of imminent threat. Iran condemns the strikes as war crimes, escalating regional tensions.
On March 13, 2026, Al Quds Day protests occurred globally amid the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran, sparked by the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in joint airstrikes on March 7. Demonstrations featured anti-Israel and anti-US slogans, with counterprotests supporting US actions. The conflict has caused over 1,230 Iranian deaths and expanded regional tensions.
Mojtaba Khamenei has been appointed Iran's supreme leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, in an Israeli airstrike. His rise consolidates hardline power amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes and regional tensions. His health remains uncertain, with reports of injuries and secretive whereabouts, raising regional security concerns.
Khamenei was killed during a US-Israeli air campaign that began Saturday, marking the first assassination of a top national leader by airstrike. The attack has triggered regional conflict, with Iran, Israel, and their allies engaging in retaliatory strikes. Israel aimed to eliminate Iran's nuclear threat and pursue regime change, with plans accelerated due to Iran's protests.
Iran's newly appointed supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains out of public view amid conflicting reports about his health following a US-Israeli airstrike that killed his family. His injuries and the power dynamics within Iran's regime are unclear, raising questions about Iran's leadership stability during wartime.
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed at least 12 people, displaced over a million, and prompted widespread evacuations. Lebanon reports civilian casualties and destruction, with international calls for a ceasefire. The conflict follows Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel and Israel's retaliatory strikes, escalating regional tensions.
As of March 20, 2026, the US and Israel's military campaign against Iran has entered its third week with no clear end in sight. The conflict has expanded across the Middle East, disrupting global oil markets and causing economic strain worldwide. President Trump faces internal White House debates balancing military objectives with rising gasoline prices and political risks. Iran continues to resist despite heavy losses, signaling a prolonged conflict.
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed over 600 people and displaced nearly 800,000 amid ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. The strikes follow Hezbollah's missile attacks and Iran-backed operations, deepening regional tensions and raising fears of wider war. The conflict has caused significant civilian casualties and displacement.
Iran confirmed the death of top security official Larijani after Israel claimed to have targeted him in Tehran. The strike also reportedly killed Basij commander Soleimani. Larijani was a key figure in Iran’s security and diplomatic circles, and his death marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Israeli military operations in Lebanon have intensified, killing over 880 people and displacing more than a million since early March. Israeli strikes target southern Lebanon and Beirut, violating ceasefire agreements amid ongoing cross-border conflict with Hezbollah and regional tensions.
Iran retaliated for the killing of key officials, including Larijani, with missile strikes on Israel and regional energy facilities. The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, escalating tensions and threatening global energy supplies. Iran's leadership vows revenge, with ongoing military actions in the region.
Israeli forces targeted areas near the Litani River in southern Lebanon, striking bridges used by Hezbollah. RT journalists reporting from the scene were injured in the attack, which Israel claims was a warning to Hezbollah. Russia condemned the strike, calling for an investigation. The conflict continues with ongoing rocket fire and military operations.
As of late March 2026, Israel has intensified its military campaign in southern Lebanon, ordering all residents south of the Litani River to evacuate. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed destruction of five bridges used by Hezbollah and ordered demolition of homes near the border to create a buffer zone. Israel aims to control territory up to the Litani River to prevent Hezbollah attacks, while Hezbollah vows to resist. The conflict has displaced over one million Lebanese and killed more than 1,000 people.
Ofer Moskovitz, a 60-year-old Israeli farmer and community spokesperson, was killed by Israeli artillery during a military operation supporting troops in southern Lebanon. An investigation found operational errors caused the incident, which is the first civilian death in the current conflict with Lebanon. The military has promised a full review.
The US delays a ceasefire deadline as Iran rejects negotiations, while regional tensions escalate with missile strikes and military movements. Diplomatic talks brokered by Pakistan are ongoing, but trust remains low. Oil prices and global markets are volatile.
Israel has launched extensive strikes across Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and threatening a ground invasion. Israeli officials plan to control territory up to the Litani River, displacing over a million civilians. Lebanon responds with fierce clashes, while international calls for restraint grow. The conflict deepens regional instability.
Multiple senior Iranian military figures, including IRGC commanders, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes over the past days. The strikes targeted Iran's naval and intelligence leadership, with Iran confirming the deaths of Alireza Tangsiri and others. The conflict has escalated with missile attacks and infrastructure damage across the region.
Israel has announced plans to expand its security buffer zone in southern Lebanon, as military operations intensify. Israeli forces have advanced near the Litani River, targeting Hezbollah amid ongoing clashes. Over 1.2 million people have been displaced, and the conflict has escalated regional tensions. The situation remains volatile today, March 29, 2026.
As of late March 2026, Israel has intensified its military campaign in southern Lebanon, expanding a security buffer zone up to the Litani River to counter Hezbollah rocket and missile attacks. The offensive includes ground advances, airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, and destruction of infrastructure. Over 1.2 million Lebanese have been displaced, with more than 1,200 killed. Israel aims to secure its northern border and weaken Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Lebanon enters its second month of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, with Israel threatening long-term control of southern Lebanon. Over 1,300 killed and 20% displaced, as Lebanon's government prepares for prolonged displacement and seeks international aid amid limited support.
Since early March 2026, Israel has launched intensified airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, killing over 2,000 people and displacing more than one million. Israeli forces are encircling and assaulting the strategic town of Bint Jbeil. Hezbollah continues rocket attacks into northern Israel. Lebanon and Israel have held preliminary talks in Washington to seek a ceasefire.
Israel has killed two senior Iranian military figures in separate airstrikes in Tehran, including Major General Seyed Majid Khademi, head of Iran's Intelligence Protection Organization. The strikes also targeted Iran's petrochemical infrastructure, causing significant economic damage amid ongoing hostilities.
Israel has launched extensive strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon as peace talks are scheduled for Tuesday in Washington. Despite US pressure to limit fighting, Israel is maintaining its military operations. Hezbollah and Lebanese officials condemn the attacks, which have caused significant casualties and displacement. The situation remains tense as regional and international actors call for restraint.
Turkey's foreign minister has accused Israel of using security concerns as a pretext to seize more land, amid rising regional tensions. Fidan states Israel is pursuing expansionism across Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, while Turkey calls for regional cooperation and warns against provocations that could threaten ceasefire efforts. The story reflects escalating regional conflicts.
On April 13, 2026, Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its 2005 defence memorandum with Israel. The move follows rising tensions after Israeli attacks in Lebanon and incidents involving Italian UN peacekeepers. Italy's right-wing government, previously a staunch Israel ally, is shifting its stance amid regional instability and upcoming elections.
Israel observes Memorial Day on April 21, 2026, with ceremonies honoring fallen soldiers and victims of terror. Recent events include protests, controversial torch-lighting, and ongoing security challenges linked to conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Leaders emphasize military achievements while families of the fallen express frustration.
Two Israeli soldiers have been killed in Lebanon during a ceasefire period, with several others wounded. Israeli forces continue demolitions in southern Lebanon despite the truce, while Hezbollah remains active with IED threats. The deaths highlight ongoing tensions and military risks despite the ceasefire that has been in place since April 16.
The US has escalated its rhetoric against Iran amid stalled nuclear talks and ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump has threatened to destroy Iran’s infrastructure if a deal is not reached, while Iran refuses to send a delegation to new negotiations due to US naval blockades. The ceasefire is set to end soon.
Israel has continued to expand settlements in the West Bank, approving over 100 new or re-established sites in 2026. This includes plans to restore evacuated settlements like Sa-Nur and Ganim, with settlers crossing into Syria's Golan Heights. The moves are increasing tensions and restricting Palestinian movement.
The United States has maintained a scaled-up minesweeping operation in the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran persist. President Trump has ordered that activity to continue at a tripled-up level, while warnings of possible clashes with Iranian vessels remain in place. Iran has seized vessels and the ceasefire remains fragile as international allies weigh a broader coalition response.
Israel has struck Hezbollah-held southern Beirut suburbs, killing a senior Radwan commander, while U.S.-brokered Israel-Lebanon talks are being scheduled in Washington for mid-May. Lebanon has urged a full halt to Israeli attacks before high-level meetings, and the ceasefire that began in mid-April has been strained by continued strikes and exchanges in southern Lebanon.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, has faced interceptions by the Israeli navy near Crete. Dispatches indicate 22 boats have been intercepted and roughly 175 activists onboard, with more vessels still at sea. Israel cites security concerns and sanctions, while flotilla organizers accuse the operation of violating international law.
Israel has approved a plan to acquire a fourth F-35I squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second F-15IA squadron from Boeing, in a multi-billion-shekel deal. The move is framed as strengthening long-term air superiority and readiness amid ongoing regional tensions and the Iran crisis.
Israel has approved new legislation to try Oct. 7 attackers in a special military court, with a livestreamed tribunal, three-judge panels, and possible death sentences for genocide or related crimes. The law expands to include others charged with crimes against the Jewish people, war crimes and crimes against humanity, and bars prisoner exchanges for those convicted. Trials will be public, with remotely participating defendants and an appeals process.
Israel has authorised a plan to build a major military and government complex on the former UNRWA Jerusalem headquarters site in Sheikh Jarrah, consolidating a military and administrative hub in occupied East Jerusalem. The project, linked to demolitions earlier this year, includes a defense ministry presence and army museum.