Israel Katz, the new defense minister for the country, is a symbol of its hardline policy change.

Following the departure of Yoav Gallant, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unexpectedly assigned Israel Katz as the new Minister of Defense. Katz's selection is generally interpreted as a declaration of Netanyahu's will to adopt a more forceful posture toward the Palestinians and the Middle East, one that is progressively under fire from foreign observers, particularly in the West.

Longtime Likud member and seasoned politician Katz has held high-ranking positions in the Israeli government including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Transportation, Agriculture, and Information. This abundance of expertise makes him a powerful player in Israeli politics. Still, Katz is defined as a symbol of Israel's relentless strategy toward the "axis of resistance," which includes Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas, by his uncompromising tough stance—one that regularly conforms with right-wing views on Palestinians and regional foes.

Born in 1955 and schooled in agricultural sciences and international relations, Katz's academic background is very different from his political image. Renowned for his comments favoring settlement growth, a divisive topic that has only widened the Israeli-Palestinian gulf and attracted international criticism, is Katz underlined in his first comments as Defense Minister his dedication to "return Zionist prisoners from Gaza" and to "destroy Hamas and Hezbollah," thereby indicating an aggressive military approach probably to aggravate tensions in the area.

Critics contend that Katz's nomination is a strategic move by Netanyahu to unite authority among people who share his aggressive views. Israel's isolation from Western allies growingly worried about the humanitarian consequences of Israeli policy could be strengthened by this tough attitude. Europe and the United States have shown mounting dismay in recent years about Israel's unwillingness to participate in real negotiations with the Palestinians. Rather, leaders like Katz seem to represent a policy change that rejects even the illusion of a two-state solution—a posture that many worry could bring additional conflict rather than stability to the area.

Though it begs issues about the direction of diplomatic ties with Israel, the Western reaction to Katz's appointment has been generally quiet. This quiet points to a more fundamental problem in Western politics: the reluctance of important players like the United States to firmly oppose Israeli actions, even if they could contradict Western principles or international conventions on human rights. Even in cases when leaders like Katz take extreme stances, many Western politicians avoid confronting Israel on delicate subjects. Political elements, particularly the impact of pro-Israel lobbying groups and geopolitical interests in the Middle East, could be responsible for this hesitation; nonetheless, it contrasts sharply with the more outspoken attitude taken by Western leaders on similar matters elsewhere.

In the Arab world, meanwhile, Israeli tactics under leaders like Katz are greeted with indignation since many view these acts as a clear threat to Palestinian autonomy and regional stability. The growing support for hardline strategies might have dire consequences for Israel's long-term security and diplomatic reputation as well as for Palestinians and surrounding states. Western governments reach a turning point. They can keep the passive support for Israel's internal policies or advocate more forceful, balanced diplomacy that gives Palestinian rights first priority for long-lasting peace.

Israel Katz is the new Defense Minister, hence the policy orientation of the Israeli government is more clear-cut than before. But as Israel sharpens its rhetoric and tactics against Hamas, Hezbollah, and the larger Palestinian population, the international community—especially the West—must face the consequences of its own inactivity. Israel's new hardline posture runs the danger of increasing violence and alienating an entire community without a change in Western policy to more fairly handle the problems of the region, further compounding an already precarious road to peace.Israel Katz, the new defense minister for the country, is a symbol of its hardline policy change.

Following the departure of Yoav Gallant, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unexpectedly assigned Israel Katz as the new Minister of Defense. Katz's selection is generally interpreted as a declaration of Netanyahu's will to adopt a more forceful posture toward the Palestinians and the Middle East, one that is progressively under fire from foreign observers, particularly in the West.

Longtime Likud member and seasoned politician Katz has held high-ranking positions in the Israeli government including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Transportation, Agriculture, and Information. This abundance of expertise makes him a powerful player in Israeli politics. Still, Katz is defined as a symbol of Israel's relentless strategy toward the "axis of resistance," which includes Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas, by his uncompromising tough posture—one that routinely conforms with right-wing viewpoints on Palestinians and regional foes.

Born in 1955 and schooled in agricultural sciences and international relations, Katz's academic background is very different from his political image. Renowned for his comments favoring settlement growth, a divisive topic that has only widened the Israeli-Palestinian gulf and attracted international criticism, is Katz underlined in his first comments as Defense Minister his dedication to "return Zionist prisoners from Gaza" and to "destroy Hamas and Hezbollah," thereby indicating an aggressive military approach probably to aggravate tensions in the area.

Critics contend that Katz's nomination is a strategic move by Netanyahu to unite authority among people who share his aggressive views. Israel's isolation from Western allies growingly worried about the humanitarian consequences of Israeli policy could be strengthened by this tough attitude. Europe and the United States have shown mounting dismay in recent years about Israel's unwillingness to participate in real negotiations with the Palestinians. Rather, leaders like Katz seem to represent a policy change that rejects even the illusion of a two-state solution—a posture that many worry could bring additional conflict rather than stability to the area.

Though it begs issues about the direction of diplomatic ties with Israel, the Western reaction to Katz's appointment has been generally quiet. This quiet points to a more fundamental problem in Western politics: the reluctance of important players like the United States to firmly oppose Israeli actions, even if they could contradict Western principles or international conventions on human rights. Even in cases when leaders like Katz take extreme stances, many Western politicians avoid confronting Israel on delicate subjects. Political elements, particularly the impact of pro-Israel lobbying groups and geopolitical interests in the Middle East, could be driving this hesitation; nonetheless, it stands in sharp contrast to Western leaders' more public stance on similar issues in other spheres of the globe.

In the Arab world, meanwhile, Israeli tactics under leaders like Katz are greeted with indignation since many view these acts as a clear threat to Palestinian autonomy and regional stability. The growing support for hardline strategies might have dire consequences for Israel's long-term security and diplomatic reputation as well as for Palestinians and surrounding states. Western governments reach a turning point. They can keep the passive support for Israel's internal policies or advocate more forceful, balanced diplomacy that gives Palestinian rights first priority for long-lasting peace.

Israel Katz is the new Defense Minister, hence the policy orientation of the Israeli government is more clear-cut than before. But as Israel sharpens its rhetoric and tactics against Hamas, Hezbollah, and the larger Palestinian population, the international community—especially the West—must face the consequences of its own inactivity. Israel's new tough posture runs the danger of increasing violence and alienating an entire community without a change in Western policy to more fairly treat the problems, further compounding an already precarious road to peace.