Israeli Supreme Court Cancels Yehuda Eliyahu's Appointment as Israel Lands Authority Director Over Smotrich Ties

On July 15, 2026, the Israeli Supreme Court sitting as the High Court of Justice officially annulled the appointment of Yehuda Eliyahu as director of the Israel Lands Authority (Rami). The ruling, issued by Justices Yael Wilner, Ofer Groskopf, and Khaled Kabub, was agreed upon by all parties except the petitioner in case 72679-05-26. The cancellation followed petitions filed against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Housing Minister Haim Katz, and others.

The court found that Eliyahu had a significant connection to Finance Minister Smotrich, and under legal precedent, such a connection requires the candidate to demonstrate special qualifications that provide a substantial relevant advantage over other candidates. Since this was not established, the government decision from May 4, 2026, appointing Eliyahu was revoked, as was the selection committee's recommendation from April 23, 2026.

To allow for an orderly transition, Eliyahu's term as director will officially end on July 22, 2026. The court also ordered changes to the selection committee, replacing members Mehran Prozner and Idit Solberg, though it clarified this did not reflect negatively on them. The reconstituted committee must re-interview the top three candidates with equal treatment and may request additional documents or interviews before making a new recommendation.

During the interim period, a temporary director will be appointed according to civil service law. The court emphasized that the current petitions do not address the identity of the interim director and do not preclude Eliyahu from serving in that temporary role.