Yisrael Katz (born September 21, 1955, in Ashkelon, Israel) is a prominent Israeli politician and senior Likud member who has served in the Knesset since 1998 (elected in 1998, with sources noting parliamentary service beginning in 1988). He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1977. Katz began his political career locally, serving as a deputy mayor and local council member in Ashkelon before entering national politics. His early career included military service in the Israel Defense Forces, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Armored Corps.

Katz has held numerous high-profile ministerial roles under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including Minister of Foreign Affairs (2019-2020 and 2021-2024), Minister of Defense (nominated in November 2024, replacing Yoav Gallant, a role he assumed amid ongoing regional conflicts and internal political tensions), Minister of Finance (2020-2021), Minister of Transportation and Road Safety (2009-2015, 2019-2020), Minister of Energy (2015, with sources also noting 2020), Minister of Intelligence (2015-2019, with earlier sources noting 2015-2016), and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (1998-1999, 2003-2006). As a key member of Israel's Security Cabinet, he has been involved in shaping national security policies, including responses to threats from Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas.

He is particularly noted for his extensive work on infrastructure development—overseeing highway expansion, high-speed rail systems, and port reforms that enhanced competition and lowered shipping costs. His political ideology aligns with Likud's right-wing nationalism, emphasizing strong defense, economic liberalization, settlement expansion in the West Bank, and strong international alliances. Katz is a rival for Likud leadership and remains a key figure in Netanyahu's governments and the Likud party's central committee, influencing defense and foreign policy.

His tenure has drawn praise for decisive leadership and infrastructure modernization, but also criticism for hawkish security stances, controversial statements, and allegations of corruption, including investigations into nepotism during his time as Transport Minister, though no convictions have been reported. His influence extends through personal networks in government and business. Katz is married to Bracha Katz, and his Orthodox Jewish background and Israeli Jewish ethnicity underscore his deep ties to the nation's political and cultural fabric.