Israel Land Authority Official Rejects Minister's Dismissal Bid, Cites Interference

Yehuda Eliyahu, the acting director of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), has responded to a pre-dismissal hearing notice from Housing and Construction Minister Haim Katz, asserting that the minister's actions stem from his refusal to yield to professional interference in the ILA's management.

Eliyahu stated in his response that the core of their dispute lies in whether the ILA director should exercise professional judgment according to law and responsibility, or comply with the minister's demands regarding day-to-day operations. He claims that since taking office, he has repeatedly faced attempts to interfere in administrative and professional matters.

Specific examples cited by Eliyahu include the appointment of Sharon Cohen as Deputy Director General for Human Resources and Administration, and alleged demands to dismiss senior ILA officials without professional justification. Eliyahu emphasized that he is unwilling to act against his professional judgment, as the ultimate responsibility rests with him.

The conflict has reached the highest levels of the Likud party. Following initial reports, the party clarified that Eliyahu would not be fired. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly confronted Minister Katz in a tense conversation, questioning his actions. The report suggests that Katz's standing within the government could be jeopardized by this attempted dismissal and perceived interference.