Current sectionOpinionShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeIsrael Katz may no longer have to devote so much time to Likud politics, but that will only give him more time to use the army to improve the party's standing during the election campaign10:39 AM • August 15 2026 IDTThis week Likud provided one of the greatest comic moments in the party's history when it announced, in the dead of night, that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was guaranteeing three ministers – Israel Katz, Gideon Sa'ar and Haim Katz – spots on the party's election slate. The reason Israel Katz, the defense minister, was chosen: "While he was expected to reach the top of the slate, this will allow him to focus on security needs rather than politics."In the NewsFor Israel's Clownish Defense Minister, Political Interests Come Before SecurityYemen Saudi-backed Gov't Says Houthi Missiles Kill Four Civilians in Port CityShe's the Superstar of the Israeli Left, and She Wants PowerAt Least Nine Killed in Overnight IDF Strikes in Lebanon, Reports SayIran Defiant as Trump Tells Americans to Accept High Gas PricesRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMI50 Years Ago, a Young Israeli Was Crowned the Most Beautiful Woman in the WorldWho Is Rebeca Grynspan, the Jewish Frontrunner to Become the Next UN Chief?Phones of Missing Israeli Mother, Daughter Last Traced Near Vienna Train StationIsrael Elections: How to Actually Read the PollsU.S. University to Pay Israeli Scholar Who Lost Job for Calling Gaza a GenocideIsraeli Soldiers Describe How Settlers Manage Military Reality in the West Bank