Housing Minister Haim Katz Faces Dismissal Amidst Land Authority Dispute

Housing and Construction Minister Haim Katz is reportedly at risk of being fired from the government following a dispute over the acting head of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), Yehuda Eliyahu. Sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed anger over Katz's actions, with one stating that the situation could lead to Katz's dismissal. This dramatic development comes after Katz initiated proceedings to dismiss Eliyahu, citing issues raised by the workers' committee, including disputes over a canceled employee event related to women singing, and controversies surrounding tender committee meetings and appointments.

Earlier, the Likud party issued a firm statement asserting that Eliyahu would not be fired, as the Prime Minister had approved his appointment and praised his "important national work in the Galilee and the Negev." This declaration placed Netanyahu and Katz at opposing sides of the issue regarding Eliyahu's tenure.

The tension between Katz and Eliyahu is not new, with reports of significant friction and a struggle over authority and influence within the ILA. Eliyahu has reportedly sought to limit external interference in the ILA's operations and maintain professional decision-making within the authority's management.

Initially, sources close to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suspected Katz might have had the Prime Minister's backing for his move against Eliyahu. However, the Likud's subsequent announcement clarified that Netanyahu did not support the dismissal attempt, turning the ILA conflict into a significant political crisis within the government. If the reported threat of dismissal against Katz materializes, his attempt to remove Eliyahu could result in his own removal from the government.