From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Incoming Foreign Minister Katz: We are at height of World War III, my focus is on the hostages
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
At a ceremony in Jerusalem marking the beginning of his tenure as foreign minister, Israel Katz says that Israel is “at the height of World War III against Iran and radical Islam.”
Katz, who replaces Eli Cohen as Israel’s top diplomat according to their rotation agreement, pledges that “we will achieve our goal of toppling Hamas.”
Speaking to diplomats and ministry employees, the senior Likudnik emphasizes that his top priority is bringing the hostages home: “Our commitment as a country and as a ministry is first of all to bring the hostages home with new initiatives, to exert global pressure.”
He also writes on X that his leading concern is “The hostages. The hostages. The hostages.”
He adds that his second priority is maintaining international legitimacy for continued combat against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Cohen, who is now energy minister, highlights his efforts to keep the hostages in the minds of international leaders, and says the Foreign Ministry’s work since October 7 has brought about “support that no one thought we would receive.”
