Finance Minister Slams Housing Minister Over Potential Dismissal of Land Authority Official

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich launched a scathing verbal attack on Housing Minister Yitzhak (Haim) Katz, accusing him of corruption and nepotism regarding Katz's intention to hold a pre-dismissal hearing for Yehuda Eliyahu, the acting director of the Israel Land Authority (ILA).

Smotrich vehemently defended Eliyahu, describing him as a "pure ideologue with zero ego and zero personal interests," a "gifted manager with human sensitivity," and a "modest and pleasant person." Smotrich condemned what he called "spreading lies and spilling Yehuda's blood in the public square, as part of the corruption and nepotism of 'box commanders,' workers' committees, and corrupt operatives." He vowed "no forgiveness, not on Yom Kippur, not after the elections."

Earlier, the Likud party issued a statement asserting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had approved Eliyahu's appointment as acting ILA director and that he would not be fired. However, Minister Katz immediately countered, reaffirming his intention to proceed with the hearing. Katz stated that the claims about the hearing being linked to appointments were baseless, and instead cited "serious allegations of severe mismanagement" at the ILA, including "improper human relations and the exclusion of women," which raised concerns about Eliyahu's suitability to lead the authority.

Katz added that if an agreement is not reached, he would seek to appoint an acting director who would advance Jewish settlement in the Negev and Galilee, a national priority for him. He also mentioned the need for a manager capable of implementing essential reforms in staffing and public service.

Meanwhile, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, also from Katz's party, expressed anger at Katz's actions. Karhi accused Katz of collaborating with an official named Gil Limon to prevent Eliyahu's tenure from being extended, thereby paving the way for an appointment favored by the "deep state." Karhi suggested that Israel would be better off without a housing minister than with one who he claimed was working against the "national camp's policy."