Israel Land Authority Acting Director's Term Extended by Three Months

Minister of Construction and Housing Chaim Katz has decided to extend the tenure of Yehuda Eliyahu as the acting director general of the Israel Land Authority (ILA) by three months, or until a permanent director is appointed, whichever comes first. Katz formally requested the Civil Service Commissioner's opinion on the extension, as required by civil service law.

This decision follows a hearing held last month regarding Eliyahu's potential dismissal. Katz stated that after considering Eliyahu's arguments, he decided to keep him in the acting role and extend his term. Eliyahu was initially appointed acting director on July 16 for three months, after previously serving as the permanent director. His current term was set to expire the following day.

The extension request was prompted by a High Court of Justice ruling earlier that day, which clarified that Eliyahu's acting period should be counted from July, thereby allowing for an additional three-month extension. A legal dispute had arisen over whether to include the three months previously served by Idan Moalem as acting director before Eliyahu's appointment.

Legal counsel for the Ministry of Housing had advised that including Moalem's tenure would exhaust the standard six-month limit for acting appointments, requiring special circumstances and further approvals for any extension. The High Court's decision, however, paved the way for the current three-month extension.

Eliyahu, who is considered close to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, was appointed permanent director in May but his appointment was canceled by the High Court in July with the agreement of the government and Eliyahu himself. The court ordered a review of the selection process and the final candidates. The court noted a significant connection between Eliyahu and Smotrich, requiring Eliyahu to demonstrate exceptional qualifications. The cancellation of the permanent appointment did not preclude his appointment as acting director.

Katz had summoned Eliyahu for a hearing due to complaints from the ILA workers' committee, including allegations of canceling a staff event because female singers were scheduled to perform. Reports also indicated disputes over promotions and tenders during Eliyahu's acting tenure. Katz cited concerns about the authority's management, human relations, and the exclusion of women.