Netanyahu and Katz Clash Over Fate of Land Authority Official

A significant dispute has erupted between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Housing Minister Haim Katz concerning Yehuda Eliyahu, the acting director of the Israel Land Authority (ILA). Netanyahu has publicly stated that Eliyahu, who is reportedly aligned with far-right politician Bezalel Smotrich, will not be fired. However, Katz insists on proceeding with a hearing for Eliyahu's dismissal, citing serious allegations of mismanagement, poor interpersonal relations, exclusion of women, and lack of cooperation in handling the rights of career soldiers.

Following Katz's decision to summon Eliyahu for a pre-dismissal hearing, the Likud party issued an unusual statement on behalf of Netanyahu, asserting that Eliyahu's appointment was approved by the Prime Minister and that he is performing important national work in the Negev and Galilee regions. This statement, released before the hearing, clearly signaled Netanyahu's stance. Despite this, Katz has maintained that the hearing will take place and that Eliyahu's replacement remains a possibility.

Sources close to Netanyahu have criticized Katz, suggesting his tenure as Housing Minister is merely a "deposit" and that Eliyahu's appointment had Netanyahu's blessing. They claim Eliyahu is effectively managing the ILA while Katz seeks to replace him to ensure his own influence within the authority after his term ends. The term "deposit" was used to emphasize that Katz does not have free rein over the ILA's leadership.

Katz's camp, however, refutes these claims, stating that the hearing is a result of accumulated complaints about Eliyahu's performance, including issues raised by the ILA workers' committee regarding labor relations, staffing, and lack of management experience. Further controversy arose when Eliyahu reportedly ordered the cancellation of an event that included women singing, though he later rescinded the decision following a labor court proceeding. Katz also alleges Eliyahu failed to attend a meeting concerning the rights of career soldiers.

The conflict over Eliyahu's position is part of a broader struggle over appointments, authorities, and managerial independence within the ILA. Katz had previously instructed Eliyahu to refrain from advancing appointments and tenders during his interim tenure, but disputes over staffing continued. Eliyahu's supporters argue he aims to preserve the authority's professional independence and prevent political interference in appointments, seeking to refresh management and implement changes in land policy, particularly in the Negev and Galilee.

The dispute carries broader political implications due to Eliyahu's association with the settlement movement and his alignment with Smotrich. Netanyahu himself had previously identified promoting settlement in the Negev and Galilee as a key objective for the ILA. Katz, aware of this sensitivity, has stated that even if a different interim director is appointed, the policy of strengthening Jewish settlement in these regions will continue, referencing his past opposition to the Gaza disengagement. For Katz, the core issue remains the management of the ILA and his authority as the supervising minister. The conflict also highlights Katz's significant standing within the Likud party, where he holds considerable independent power.