Defense Minister Katz Leaves Security Cabinet Meeting for Mayor's Son's Wedding, Netanyahu Unaware

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz left a Security Cabinet meeting on Thursday to attend the wedding of the son of Yaakov Peretz, the long-serving Likud-affiliated mayor of Kiryat Ata. The wedding took place in Rishon Lezion amid preparations for upcoming Likud primaries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, unaware of Katz's departure, inquired during the meeting, "Where is the Defense Minister?" Besides Katz, other senior Likud figures attended the event, including Minister Haim Katz, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant.

Katz's exit occurred during a critical Security Cabinet session following a week of significant developments across various military fronts, including the Iranian arena, which was a key topic amid concerns over potential escalation or diplomatic agreements. These developments have placed Israel's defense establishment on high alert heading into a tense weekend.

In response to inquiries, Katz's office stated that the Defense Minister had engaged in nearly ten hours of security discussions at the Defense Ministry and Prime Minister's Office earlier that day and declined to provide details about the security forums he attended.