Businessman Linked to Minister Katz Faced Pressure to Approve Land Authority CEO Appointment

Weeks before Yehuda Eliyahu was appointed CEO of the Israel Land Authority (ILA) on May 4, businessman Nadav Layla, a confidant of Housing and Construction Minister Haim Katz, was subjected to significant pressure to help secure the appointment. Layla, a multimillionaire with ties to prominent political figures including President Isaac Herzog, Transportation Minister Miri Regev, and Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, also maintains a close relationship with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Eliyahu's appointee, Yoni Danino, who has been associated with Eliyahu for years and has ties to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, reportedly contacted Layla multiple times and met him twice at his home. During these meetings, Danino allegedly urged Layla to advocate for Eliyahu's appointment. Danino previously served as an advisor to Smotrich and is currently the CEO of the economic company of the Benjamin Regional Council's settlement administration. It remains unclear if Layla yielded to Danino's requests. Eliyahu was eventually appointed, but the Supreme Court disqualified the appointment two months ago, leading to Eliyahu serving as acting CEO. Minister Katz decided to dismiss Eliyahu on September 25, sparking a political storm and anger among senior Likud officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intervened, announcing an extension of Eliyahu's acting role, indicating the conflict is ongoing.

Eliyahu vehemently denied any behind-the-scenes maneuvering, stating through a spokesperson that the claims of him using intermediaries are "an absolute lie" and that he was unaware of any such meetings or requests. Both Yoni Danino and Nadav Layla declined to comment on the matter.