Ofir Katz: A Look at the Israeli Coalition Chairman's Controversial Tenure
Ofir Katz, the current coalition chairman, has been a central figure in the Knesset's legislative agenda since 2023, particularly during the period of judicial reform. He played a key role in advancing legislation such as the "impeachment law," which the Supreme Court later ruled inapplicable to the current Knesset due to its personal benefit to the Prime Minister. Katz also signed a call for Prime Minister Netanyahu to disregard a potential Supreme Court order to dismiss National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Born in Afula, Katz joined the Likud party at 19 and worked in the offices of ministers Limor Livnat and Gilad Erdan before joining Netanyahu's staff in 2009. He entered the Knesset in 2016 and, by December 2022, assumed the powerful roles of coalition chairman, Likud faction chairman, and Knesset committee chairman. In this capacity, he oversaw the passage of a law expanding the powers of the National Security Minister over the police.
Katz has been a vocal proponent of the judicial overhaul, stating in August 2026 that "we were too gentle with the reform. After the elections, we will go all the way." This stance has been met with criticism, with the Deputy Attorney General warning about the politicization of law enforcement and the Supreme Court intervening in legislation he advanced.
His tenure has also been marked by contentious statements and actions, including calling MK Ayman Odeh a "terrorist" and suggesting MK Ofer Cassif might encounter an "unrestrained policeman." He also faced accusations of limiting media access to Knesset discussions and barring critical journalists from receiving press releases.
In January 2026, Katz signed a letter to Netanyahu asserting that no legal entity, including the Supreme Court, has the authority to compel the dismissal of a minister, in response to potential judicial action regarding Itamar Ben-Gvir's position. He has also been involved in disciplinary actions within the coalition, notably against MK Tali Gottlieb for violating coalition discipline.