Yinon Magal Threatens to Withhold Vote from Likud Over Land Authority Dispute

Media personality Yinon Magal vehemently criticized Minister Haim Katz's intention to summon Yehuda Eliyahu, the acting director of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), for a pre-dismissal hearing. Magal declared that if the dismissal proceeds, he will not vote for the Likud party. He asserted that Eliyahu's appointment as ILA director is the last chance to save the Negev and Galilee regions, stating, "The future of the country is at stake here." Magal believes Eliyahu's potential dismissal by Katz jeopardizes the state's future.

Earlier this week, a report in "TheMarker" revealed a severe power struggle between Katz and Eliyahu within the ILA. Their relationship has reportedly deteriorated to a point that could affect Eliyahu's continued tenure beyond his interim appointment ending in October. Eliyahu was appointed to his current role with the stated goal of replicating the development successes seen in Judea and Samaria in the Negev and Galilee, aiming to strengthen Jewish presence in these areas. However, sources suggest internal opposition to this initiative.

Katz appointed Eliyahu as acting director in July for a three-month period after the Supreme Court invalidated his permanent appointment. While it was previously expected that Eliyahu's interim term would be extended if a permanent director wasn't appointed, the worsening relationship between Katz and Eliyahu has cast doubt on this possibility.

A key point of contention is Katz's desire for deeper involvement in the ILA's operations, partly through Sigal Gabai, the director of the business division. Gabai was appointed before Eliyahu joined the ILA, having previously served as deputy director of planning and real estate in the Ministry of Tourism, which is also overseen by Katz. According to sources, Eliyahu has sought to minimize external interference in the ILA's work since taking office, aiming to retain control over professional decision-making.