Likud Officials Demand Netanyahu Fire Housing Minister Haim Katz

Dozens of Likud Central Committee members and city mayors have sent a sharp letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding the immediate dismissal of Housing and Construction Minister Haim Katz. The demand follows Katz's alleged attempt to oust Yehuda Eliyahu from his position as head of the Israel Land Authority (ILA).

The signatories argue that Katz's actions harm the movement's national goals, particularly strengthening settlement, development, and construction in the Negev, Galilee, and Judea and Samaria. They stated that instead of accelerating development in core areas of Israel, there is "scandalous conduct and direct harm to the settlement enterprise."

The officials warned of the political consequences of Katz remaining in his critical role, asserting that it damages not only Zionist and settlement values but also severely erodes public trust in the Likud party. They cautioned that remaining silent on this matter would come at a "very heavy electoral price" in upcoming elections.

The letter explicitly calls for Netanyahu to return the Housing Ministry to hands "loyal to the movement's values" and to dismiss Katz immediately. The signatories emphasized that the dismissal demand stands even if Katz's attempt to remove Eliyahu is ultimately unsuccessful, as the mere attempt has already caused significant damage to settlements, Likud values, and public confidence.