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 Likud party, with several ministers publicly criticizing Katz's move and defending Eliyahu.

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 a "deep state" agenda. Minister Amichai Chikli also joined the criticism, calling Eliyahu "one of the most important appointments of the national camp" and vowing that "no armored operative will move him from his position."

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

In response to the controversy, Minister Katz clarified that the hearing is proceeding according to administrative law and is not related to appointment requests. He reiterated that his decision stems from serious allegations of mismanagement at the ILA, including poor interpersonal relations, gender discrimination, and lack of cooperation on reservist rights. Katz stated that if no resolution is reached, he will seek to appoint an acting head who will advance Jewish settlement in the Negev and Galilee.