Israeli Supreme Court Cancels Yehuda Eliyahu's Appointment as Israel Land Authority Director

The Israeli Supreme Court annulled the appointment of Yehuda Eliyahu as director of the Israel Land Authority (ILA) and overturned the selection committee's recommendation endorsing him. The court adopted a compromise plan agreed upon by the state, government, and most petitioners. According to the ruling, Eliyahu's term as ILA director will end on July 22. The selection committee will be reconstituted, reassess the leading candidates from the previous process, and may consider new candidates before issuing a fresh recommendation to the appointing ministers.

The judges found a significant connection between Eliyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, noting that a candidate with such ties must demonstrate a unique and substantial professional advantage over others. Both the government's decision to appoint Eliyahu and the original committee recommendation were canceled. Two committee members will be replaced, though the court clarified this is not a personal criticism.

Regarding interim management of the ILA, the court ruled that an acting director should be appointed under the Civil Service Law and stated that Eliyahu may still apply for the temporary role. The government plans to appoint Eliyahu as acting director after his term ends, hoping this will allow continuity until the new selection process concludes. However, this temporary appointment could face new legal challenges, as noted by the government's legal advisor. The ruling does not end the dispute over control of the ILA but resets the selection process, keeping Eliyahu as a candidate for both permanent and interim positions.