Housing Minister Sparks Outrage in Likud Over Bid to Fire Land Authority Deputy

Housing and Construction Minister Haim Katz's decision to summon Yehuda Eliyahu, the acting director of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), for a pre-dismissal hearing has ignited a firestorm within the Likud party, with several ministers calling for Katz's removal. Critics within Likud are reportedly angered by Katz's own protected status on the party's electoral list. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially responded, stating that he had approved Eliyahu's appointment as acting ILA director, praising his "important national work in the Negev and the Galilee," and declared that Eliyahu "will not be fired."

Katz, however, defended his actions, citing allegations of mismanagement at the ILA, including poor human relations and the exclusion of women. He stated that "all matters will be examined during the hearing, which will be conducted with an open mind and in accordance with proper administrative procedures," dismissing claims that the summons was related to appointments he was asked to make.

Netanyahu reportedly considered sanctions against Katz, including dismissal, though this was seen more as a threat to placate the party than a genuine intention. Eliyahu, in turn, rejected Katz's claims as baseless, asserting in a letter that the dispute was deeper than alleged employee complaints and stemmed from his refusal to yield to the minister's demands. Eliyahu accused Katz of demanding the dismissal of senior officials without professional justification and of attempting to bypass professional authority by requiring approval for all intermediate and senior tenders.

The controversy surrounds Eliyahu's appointment, which was initially supported by the government but later overturned by the High Court of Justice due to his ties to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Following the court's decision, Eliyahu was reappointed as acting director for a three-month period. Senior Likud figures, including Ministers Shlomo Karhi and Amichai Chikli, publicly defended Eliyahu, criticizing Katz for allegedly collaborating with "the deep state" against the national camp's policies. Smotrich also fiercely defended Eliyahu, calling him a "pure ideologue" and accusing those spreading "lies" of corruption and vowing to address such issues in the next government.

Katz reiterated that the hearing was based on "serious allegations" regarding Eliyahu's professional conduct, including issues of human relations and the exclusion of women, which he found unacceptable. These claims were reportedly prompted by a letter from ILA employee representatives detailing a pattern of problematic management since Eliyahu took office, including the cancellation of an employee event due to concerns about female singers, leading to significant compensation costs, and the external hiring for key positions.