Yנון מגל Threatens to Withhold Vote Over Potential Firing of Israel Land Authority Head

A political storm erupted Wednesday over the future of Yehuda Eliyahu, the acting director of the Israel Land Authority. Housing and Construction Minister Haim Katz informed Eliyahu of his intention to dismiss him, a move that drew sharp criticism from figures aligned with the Likud party and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Prominent among the critics was Channel 14 host Yנון מגל, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) about Eliyahu's appointment and his perceived importance for developing the Negev and Galilee regions, calling it "the last chance to save the Negev and Galilee." He declared, "If Haim Katz fires him, I will not vote for Likud."

The controversy stems from disagreements between Katz and Eliyahu regarding the authority's operations and the minister's involvement. Eliyahu reportedly sought to retain control over professional decision-making and limit external interference. Reports suggest Katz initiated the dismissal proceedings following complaints from the workers' committee, including allegations that Eliyahu was promoting external candidates for tenders to alter the authority's staffing and a claim related to a canceled event due to an issue concerning women singing.

Eliyahu was appointed acting director in July for a three-month term, following a Supreme Court decision that overturned his permanent appointment. While it was anticipated that Katz might extend Eliyahu's temporary tenure if no permanent director was appointed, the rising tensions have cast doubt on this possibility. Later on Wednesday, the Likud party issued a statement asserting that Eliyahu's appointment was approved by Prime Minister Netanyahu and that he is "doing important national work." The party clarified that Eliyahu would not be fired, yet Minister Katz insisted the hearing would proceed.