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.

|ByANNA BARSKY
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

"Today, independent voters account for 60% to 70%, and deals account for 30%. That is why Haim Katz, the king of Likud deals, asked for a reserved spot," Seri claimed.

|By103FM
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

Voters choose a party on Election Day; they cannot rearrange its candidates or express a preference for particular individuals.

|ByJPOST 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 wants the ability to add people from high-tech, economics, security, and other fields who can broaden the party’s appeal and give it greater governing credibility. The problem is the scale.

|ByHERB KEINON

In spite of war, 2023 tourist numbers nearing pre-COVID

The annual figure represents an increase of 12.5% compared to 2022, and a decrease of 34% from 2019.

JANUARY 9, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
TOURISM MINISTER Haim Katz makes a toast to Israeli tourism in New York.

In historic first, Israeli minister publicly visits Saudi Arabia

The visit to Saudi Arabia comes as Israel and Saudi Arabia continue efforts to reach a normalization agreement and as Saudi's Nayef Al-Sudairi is credentialed as ambassador to the PA.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2023ByTOVAH LAZAROFF
Haim Katz.

Israeli judicial reform protesters to disrupt Ben-Gurion Airport next week

The protest movements announced they would launch a series of disruptive actions starting on Saturday night.

JUNE 27, 2023ByTZVI JOFFRE
Israelis protest against the Israeli government's planned judicial overhaul, at the Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, March 9, 2023.

Haim Katz talks up tourism to Israel in New York visit

According to Eyal Carlin, consul commissioner for North America, 40% of Israel tourism comes from the US.

JUNE 4, 2023ByHOWARD BLAS
TOURISM MINISTER Haim Katz makes a toast to Israeli tourism in New York.

Israeli VAT exemption for tourists to continue despite FM's objection

The decision follows lengthy discussions about the state budget between Katz and the Finance Ministry, which had hoped to increase state revenue.

MARCH 14, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Tourists seen at James Richardson Dudy Free shop at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel, on June 6, 2022

Israel's budget committee approves state budget, cuts it close

After lengthy discussions that ended hours before Shabbat, the government approved the budget for next year.

FEBRUARY 24, 2023ByELIAV BREUER, ZACHY HENNESSEY, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads a cabinet meeting on the state budget, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on February 23, 2023.

Israel's Tourism Ministry to invest NIS 340m in tourism infrastructure

The Tourism Ministry's Development Budget Committee approved a budget that includes the establishment of dozens of public tourism infrastructure projects.

JANUARY 12, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Tourism Minister Haim Katz arrives for a group picture of the new government at the president's residence in Jerusalem on December 29, 2022.

You will not believe how many tourists came to Israel in 2022

An unreal number of tourists came to Israel in 2022, injecting NIS 13.5 billion into the economy.

JANUARY 4, 2023ByTAMAR URIEL-BEERI
A GROUP OF French tourists and their guide in Jerusalem’s Old City this week.

Haim Katz's plea deal approved by Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court

The conviction was not deemed as having moral turpitude, as the High Court of Justice in December rejected a petition to impose it.

FEBRUARY 7, 2022ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Likud MK Haim Katz speaks at a Knesset plenary session on his request for parliamentary immunity from prosecution, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on February 17, 2020.

Netanyahu met with MK who tested positive for COVID-19

Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu met with Katz for more than an hour on Wednesday afternoon at Netanyahu's office at the Knesset. 

JANUARY 8, 2022ByGIL HOFFMAN
Likud MK Haim Katz speaks at a Knesset plenary session on his request for parliamentary immunity from prosecution, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on February 17, 2020.