Defense Minister Katz Leaves Cabinet Meeting Early for Political Ally's Family Events

Ahead of the Likud primaries, Defense Minister Israel Katz left a cabinet meeting midway on Friday to attend the wedding of the son of Kiryat Ata Mayor Yaakov Peretz, a figure associated with Likud. During the ongoing discussion, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noticed Katz's absence and inquired, "Where is the Defense Minister?" After the wedding, Katz proceeded to an engagement ceremony for the Pinto family. The Defense Ministry stated that Katz had participated in nearly 10 hours of security discussions at both the Defense Ministry and Prime Minister's Office the previous day and declined to provide details about the security forums he attended.