Haaretz Editorial01:18 AM • July 30 2026 IDTThe only thing that holds the attention of Defense Minister Israel Katz is the Likud party primary. It's the only prism through which it's possible to make sense of his outlandish decisions. Whatever the settler base wants – or, at least, whatever Katz imagines the settler base wants – the settler base gets.Loading...Click the alert icon to follow topics:PalestiniansIsrael settlementsWest BankLikudIsraeli politicsIsrael - U.S.Yoav GallantHuman rightsIsrael KatzCommentsLoading...In the NewsIn the News: Live UpdatesWest BankNetanyahu-TrumpBen-GvirGaza Board of PeaceBarbara ButchIsrael ElectionsHaQuizHaaretz PodcastPrimary Objective: Why Israel's Defense Chief Is Enabling Jewish TerrorThe Sad Thing About Netanyahu's Corruption: We've Gotten Used to ItHaaretz CartoonDefense Minister Israel Katz, a Proud War CriminalCourt: MK Said Settlers' Blood Redder Than Oct. 7 Victims', Rejects Libel SuitRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIIsrael's Far Right Is Repeating the Sin That Brought Down the TempleAl Jazeera Reportedly Ends Contracts of Over 20 Gazan JournalistsWith the West Bank Primed to Explode, Israel's Government Sees an OpportunityTwo Israelis, Four Palestinians Killed in Clash After Settlers Enter TownThese Young Israelis Are Calling for the Zionist Left to Confront the OccupationTrump's Irritation, Netanyahu's Desperation: Oval Office Smiles Mask Rifts