Haim Katz

Likud officials pressuring Netanyahu to move Avi Dichter into realistic party position using 'swap'

This message is now being conveyed to Netanyahu primarily because of Dichter's status as a former Shin Bet chief and concerns that Likud could enter the election without a senior security figure.

 Agriculture and Raw Food Security Minister Avi Dichter attends Economic Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, on March 26, 2025.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara arrive to cast their vote at a polling station in Jerusalem, August 17, 2026

Independent voters hold more power over Israel elections than before, strategic adviser says

People at polling station during the Likud party internal elections in Jeursalem, July 27, 2026.

Netanyahu's Likud must get its house in order if it hopes to perform this October - editorial

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a vote at the plenum hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 16, 2026.

Netanyahu rose through Likud democracy. Now he risks hollowing it out from within - analysis


Netanyahu may hold early elections, 'use Gaza deal to gain support,' Likud official says

If carried out, the move could provide Netanyahu with a renewed leadership mandate, project unity within the party, and preempt potential internal challenges to his authority.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen at the Knesset before a vote on the Gaza deal, October 9, 2025

Haim Katz appointed as permanent housing minister, replacing haredi party UTJ’s Goldknopf

Following the vote, Katz stated, “I thank the prime minister for his trust and the members of the government for their support.”

Tourism minister Haim Katz attends a Finance committee meeting, in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on December 9, 2024.

Netanyahu temporarily appoints Levin and Katz to key ministries amid haredi resignations

The fact that the ministries were given to just Levin and Katz indicated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to “safeguard” them for the eventual possibility of Shas’s return.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu with Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Minister of Tourism Haim Katz during a discussion and a vote in the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on February 22, 2023.

Tel Aviv tourism fair draws strength from regional allies as global presence shrinks

Despite a reduced international presence, Israel’s largest tourism fair showcased strong regional partnerships and a surge in domestic promotion.

 Views from inside IMTM 2025, Tel Aviv.

National Security Min. budget to reach record NIS 28b. as number of security prisoners grows

In response to the sharp rise in security prisoners, NIS 1.9 billion will be allocated to the Israel Prison Service for the construction of new detention facilities.

 Israeli security forces guard at the Ofer prison, outside of Jerusalem, from where Palestinian terror convicts will be released later today as part of a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, February 15, 2025.

Third murder in 24 hours, National Security Minister remains abroad

Haim Katz was appointed temporary National Security Minister for three months while simultaneously holding the Tourism; Heritage; and Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience Ministries.

 Police crime scene tape

Israel's Tourism Ministry to invest NIS 230m. in tourism infrastructure

The Tourism Ministry will provide funding for various projects including, heritage centers, parks, biking trails, and more.

 Tourism minister Haim Katz attends the 'victory conference' at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem on January 28, 2024.

Israel-Hamas War hit tourism industry hard, net loss in billions - Tourism Ministry

Based on 2024 trends, 2024 is expected to conclude with only approximately one million tourists entering Israel, less than a quarter of the number of tourists that entered Israel in 2019.

 Travelers are seen at the departure hall of the Ben-Gurion Airport on April 4, 2023; illustrative

Israel aims to woo Christian tourists as Gaza war continues

NRB, which opens Tuesday, is the world's largest convention for Christian media. This year, more than 4,000 communicators will take part in the event. 

 Tourism minister Haim Katz attends the 'victory conference' at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem on January 28, 2024.

Israel's tourism soared in 2023, yet faces new challenges post-war

Israel's tourism sector, having marked a record-breaking year in 2023, is currently contending with the challenges that follow in the face of the war.

 El Al airplane