Former MK Nir Orbach Defends Housing Official Amidst Political Storm

Former Knesset Member Nir Orbach has publicly defended Yehuda Eliyahu, the acting director general of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), amidst a political storm surrounding his potential dismissal. Orbach praised Eliyahu as "an honest, humble, professional, ideological, and very principled man," calling his appointment one of the most successful in public service and expressing confidence that "the truth will win out."

The controversy erupted when Housing and Construction Minister Haim Katz summoned Eliyahu for a pre-dismissal hearing. This move followed a sharp letter from the ILA workers' committee, escalating into an open confrontation over appointments, labor relations, and alleged shifts in the organization's priorities. Eliyahu, considered a key ideological figure for the national camp in land matters and close to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, vehemently denied the accusations.

In a pointed response to Katz, Eliyahu accused the minister of improper political interference in tenders and attempting to dictate senior appointments within the authority. The situation ignited widespread anger among right-wing activists and figures, who accused Katz of succumbing to workers' committees and undermining efforts to settle the Negev and Galilee regions.

The public and political pressure culminated in an unusual intervention by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In an official statement, Netanyahu clarified that Eliyahu is performing important national work and that the dismissal attempt is off the table.