U.S. Embassy Jerusalem · CC BY 2.0

Katz has served in the Knesset for Likud since 1998 and held a string of Israeli cabinet posts — Transport, Finance, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs twice, and, since November 2024, Defense — making him one of the country's most durable senior ministers. As Transport Minister he oversaw the expansion of Israel's highway network, the build-out of high-speed rail, and port reforms intended to increase competition and lower shipping costs.