Netanyahu Intervenes, Keeps Yehuda Eliyahu as Acting Head of Israel Land Authority

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intervened at the last minute on Wednesday to ensure Yehuda Eliyahu remains acting director of the Israel Land Authority. The decision came after Housing and Construction Minister Haim Katz summoned Eliyahu for a hearing, a move that drew sharp criticism from right-wing figures and within the Likud party. Critics viewed Eliyahu as central to advancing settlement and land policies, and warned his removal would be a "red line" that would damage national public trust in the government.

Eliyahu has been serving as acting director since July, when the High Court of Justice disqualified his permanent appointment but allowed his temporary tenure to continue. The ongoing tension between Katz and Eliyahu, coupled with the hearing summons, ignited a wave of reactions from public figures and right-wing activists who deemed the hearing unjustified, especially given Eliyahu's prolonged legal and public battle for the position.

Following the mounting pressure, the Prime Minister's Office clarified Netanyahu's decision for Eliyahu to stay, effectively halting Minister Katz's initiative and sending a clear message about the acting director's future. The Israel Land Authority's role in decisions concerning land, construction, and settlement has made Eliyahu's appointment a sensitive political issue.

Netanyahu's intervention is expected to de-escalate the crisis surrounding Eliyahu's tenure, at least for the time being.