Katz confirms full military control

Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Thursday that the caretaker government holds full authority over the Israel Defense Forces.

Katz posted the statement on the social media platform X on November 12, 2026. He asserted that the current political structure retains complete control over strategic and military matters.

The minister described the command chain as clear during this transitional period. He noted that a single prime minister and a single defense minister direct the IDF. The unified government makes all critical decisions regarding national security and citizen protection, subject to standard oversight mechanisms.

Katz’s remarks addressed a letter from former defense ministers Benny Gantz and Avi Eisenkot. The opposition group warned that the caretaker cabinet’s powers should be restricted to routine security decisions until a new permanent government is formed.

Eisenkot also appealed to Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara. He asked her to intervene to ensure the prime minister receives regular and comprehensive security briefings without interruption during the interim period.

In response, Katz stated that the cabinet does not need approval from opposition parties or any specific legal body to order targeted operations. He cited ongoing activities in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank as examples of such actions.

The statement arrived as officials in Jerusalem and Washington debated the likelihood of renewed military engagement with Iran. Katz expressed confidence in the government’s approach to Iran, claiming it reflects determination and sound judgment. He said the strategy is executed in full coordination with military leadership. Katz argued that defense matters do not wait for political processes to conclude and that this model of authority is the historical norm.