Housing Minister Moves to Fire Israel Land Authority Director Amid Controversy

Housing and Construction Minister Haim Katz has summoned Yehuda Eliyahu, the acting director of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), for a pre-dismissal hearing, less than three months after appointing him. The move follows a deterioration in the relationship between the two men, allegations of Eliyahu's mismanagement, and a sharp letter from the ILA employees' committee urging Katz to review Eliyahu's tenure.

Sources close to the matter indicate that Katz could no longer ignore Eliyahu's problematic labor relations and unprofessional conduct. Eliyahu reportedly defied the minister's instructions not to chair tender committees or advance appointments, continuing to do so behind Katz's back. In one instance, Eliyahu allegedly left a crucial meeting with senior IDF representatives discussing ILA tenders for career soldiers, causing significant disruption.

The conflict escalated over management disputes and alleged ministerial interference through Sigal Gabai, appointed to a senior role before Eliyahu took office. The employees' committee, represented by Shelly Yarmiyahu and Lilach Gutterman, expressed serious concerns about Eliyahu's management style, citing a pattern of poor judgment, inadequate human resource management, and a failure to foster proper labor relations.

A major flashpoint involved the cancellation of a pre-Rosh Hashanah event after Eliyahu objected to a performance featuring female singers. The employees' committee deemed this a severe incident, touching on principles of equality and women's place in public organizations. The cancellation is expected to cost the ILA nearly NIS 200,000, to be drawn from employee training and welfare budgets, and the tender committee responsible for rescheduling has yet to convene.

Eliyahu's appointment itself was contentious, facing legal challenges and petitions to the High Court over irregularities in the selection process. While the government proposed a path forward involving a revised selection committee, Eliyahu was appointed acting director for three months, a period not yet concluded, before this latest dismissal process began.