Israeli Communications Minister Slams Minister Haim Katz Over Land Authority Appointment

Communications Minister Dr. Shlomo Karai launched a sharp attack on Minister Haim Katz on Wednesday, criticizing his actions regarding the interim tenure of Yehuda Eliyahu as acting director-general of the Israel Land Authority. Karai alleged that Katz is collaborating with Gil Limon, the Deputy Attorney General for Legal Advice, to prevent Eliyahu's interim term from being extended by three months. According to Karai, this move would pave the way for an appointment favored by what he termed the "deep state."

Karai expanded his criticism beyond the specific appointment, questioning Katz's role in the government and the Ministry of Construction and Housing. While acknowledging Katz's secured position on the Likud party list, Karai asserted that this does not guarantee him continued ministerial posts, particularly the Ministry of Construction and Housing.

"Haim Katz is indeed secured on the Likud list, but no one has secured five ministries for him, and certainly not the Ministry of Construction and Housing," Karai stated. He went further, declaring that he would prefer the Ministry of Construction and Housing to remain without a minister rather than have Katz continue in the role while allegedly cooperating with legal advisors against the "national camp's policy."

Karai framed the dispute as a struggle over the government's ability to implement its policies, urging that officials should not be allowed to influence appointments. "We must not allow officials to harm the Prime Minister's policy!" he concluded.