Housing Minister Chaim Katz Summons Acting Head of Israel Land Authority to Hearing Amid Political Firestorm

Housing Minister Chaim Katz has summoned Yehuda Eliyahu, the acting head of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), for a hearing, citing serious management failures and alleged exclusion of women within the organization. The decision has ignited a political storm within the ruling Likud party, with several ministers publicly defending Eliyahu and criticizing Katz's move.

Communications Minister Shlomo Karai vehemently opposed Katz's action, calling for Katz's dismissal from the Housing Ministry and asserting that Eliyahu is "the right person in the right place." Karai suggested the move was part of a coordinated effort to prevent Eliyahu's permanent appointment, aligning with what he termed "the deep state."

Minister Amihai Chikli also joined the criticism, describing Eliyahu as "one of the most important appointments of the national camp" and vowing that "no armored crony will move him from his position."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intervened, issuing a statement through the Likud party declaring that Eliyahu would not be dismissed. The Prime Minister's Office affirmed Netanyahu's approval of Eliyahu's appointment as acting director-general and emphasized his "important national work in the Negev and the Galilee."

In response to the controversy, Minister Katz clarified that the hearing was initiated due to serious allegations of mismanagement, including poor interpersonal relations, gender discrimination, and lack of cooperation on reservist rights. He stated the hearing would proceed according to administrative law, and if no resolution is reached, he would seek an acting director who would advance Jewish settlement in the Negev and Galilee.