Michael Katz, 82, has died of wounds sustained in an Iranian missile strike on his Haifa home during Operation Roaring Lion, according to reports. Katz, a longtime Rafael Advanced Defense Systems employee, passed away after a three-month struggle, leaving behind his wife, two sons, and six grandchildren.
The death of Michael Katz, 82, was confirmed Wednesday afternoon, with Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav officially confirming his passing at 12:14 Jerusalem. Katz had been hospitalized for three months after being critically wounded in an Iranian ballistic missile strike on his Haifa home during Operation Roaring Lion, which began in February 2026.
Initial reports at 09:32 Jerusalem, citing The Times of Israel, identified the victim as an 82-year-old man who died of wounds from the missile strike. By the same hour, the victim was named as Michael Katz, a longtime Rafael Advanced Defense Systems employee. At 12:14 Jerusalem, Mayor Yahav confirmed his death, praising Katz's dedication to Israel's security.
Katz, who received a prize for his work at Rafael, is survived by his wife, two sons, and six grandchildren. The Zioneer previously reported on the missile strike that targeted Haifa during Operation Roaring Lion, a campaign that has seen repeated Iranian missile attacks on Israeli cities.
The circumstances of the initial strike remain unconfirmed, and no further details on the missile type or origin have been officially released.
4 developments
- StrongHaifa Mayor Yona Yahav: Michael Katz struck in his home in heinous attack on civilians
- StrongDefense Minister Katz sends condolences to family of fallen reservist Filin
- DevelopingDefense Minister Katz: Israel killed Khamenei, wounded his son, ready for 'third round'
- StrongDefense Minister Katz eulogizes fallen 52nd Battalion commander and three soldiers in Lebanon
Source and signal
- Internal intake