Netanyahu Intervention Delays Housing Authority Director Appointment Amid Political Maneuvering

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intervened in the appointment process for the permanent director of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), extending the tenure of acting director Yehuda Eliyahu by three months. This intervention followed a planned hearing for Eliyahu, initiated by Housing Minister Chaim Ketz, which was ultimately bypassed due to Netanyahu's involvement. The ILA has been operating without a permanent director since September, with the appointment process now expected to extend until at least December, pending the formation of a new government. There are expectations that if Netanyahu forms the next government, pressure will increase to appoint Eliyahu permanently, despite opposition from the legal advisor and Treasury officials. A key factor in the initial cancellation of Eliyahu's appointment was his perceived closeness to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who is reportedly a candidate to continue in his role and is pushing for Eliyahu's continued service to advance Jewish settlement in the Galilee and Negev. The ILA plays a crucial role, marketing 92% of the country's land, and a lack of consistent leadership has led to a significant decrease in land marketing this year. This shortage of available land could potentially drive up future housing prices. The article also criticizes the ILA's current marketing strategies, noting a focus on discounted housing through lotteries that do not benefit the general public. Recent initiatives, such as prioritizing 75% of apartments for reservists, leave many non-reservist citizens without affordable housing options. Furthermore, progress on rental projects has been slow, with only a fraction of planned units moving forward.