Likud Party Declares Yehuda Eliyahu Will Not Be Fired Amid Political Dispute

A political dispute has erupted within Israel's coalition government over the potential dismissal of Yehuda Eliyahu, the acting director of the Israel Land Authority (ILA). Housing and Construction Minister Haim Katz summoned Eliyahu for a pre-dismissal hearing, citing issues related to human relations, the cancellation of an event due to a women's singing controversy, and allegations concerning tender committees and appointments.

However, sources close to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of playing a "double game," suggesting Katz would not have acted without the Prime Minister's backing. These sources also questioned the timing of the hearing, which occurred shortly after the closing of candidate lists for the Knesset, implying it was strategically timed to prevent Smotrich from reacting in a way that could affect political maneuvers before the deadline. A source from the Religious Zionism party issued a veiled threat, stating, "To be continued."

In a significant turn of events, the Likud party issued a definitive statement asserting that Eliyahu, whom Prime Minister Netanyahu had previously approved for the acting role and who is reportedly doing important national work in the Galilee and Negev, would not be fired. This statement directly countered the claims that Katz's actions had Netanyahu's support and aimed to quell the escalating political conflict.

This public declaration by the Likud now raises questions about how Minister Katz will proceed, having already initiated a dismissal hearing while the Prime Minister has publicly stated the firing will not happen. Eliyahu, considered an associate of Smotrich, was appointed acting director after his permanent appointment was canceled by the High Court, requiring a review of the process. He was subsequently appointed to the interim position for three months.

Conversely, a senior government source criticized Katz, alleging the move was a power struggle within the ILA, aimed at enabling Katz to make appointments that would secure his influence over the authority even after he leaves the ministry.