Housing Minister Summons Acting Director for Dismissal Hearing Amid Power Struggle

Housing Minister Haim Katz has summoned Yehuda Eliyahu, the acting director of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), for a dismissal hearing. The summons cites several allegations against Eliyahu, including poor interpersonal relations reported by the workers' committee, the cancellation of an event due to women singing, and the convening of tender committees in a manner Katz deemed "hasty," despite instructions not to make appointments before Eliyahu's term ended. Katz also accused Eliyahu of boycotting a meeting with families of career soldiers regarding their rights.

In response to the summons, a senior government source launched a sharp attack on Minister Katz, suggesting Katz's role as Housing Minister was merely a "deposit" from the Prime Minister. This source stated that the decision to appoint Eliyahu as acting director until the completion of the selection committee process was made by the Prime Minister. The senior source defended Eliyahu, asserting he is diligently performing his duties and highlighting issues within the ILA. The source further claimed that Katz's allegations are a pretext to remove Eliyahu and secure Katz's continued influence over the ILA after his tenure as minister concludes.

The senior source alleged that Eliyahu is acting to prevent appointments and moves promoted by Minister Katz, aiming to preserve Katz's control over the authority even after he leaves the Ministry of Housing. "The claims about Eliyahu's performance are intended to remove him from the path, to allow Haim Katz to prepare his control for the day after," the senior source contended.