Israeli Supreme Court Halts Government Move on Land Authority Director Appointment

The court ruled that its previous decision, which canceled Eliyahu's initial appointment due to conflict of interest concerns and his close ties to Smotrich, did not address whether a permanent appointment could proceed during an election period. The justices advised the ministers to follow standard legal channels if they dispute the legal counsel's opposition to senior appointments during elections. Eliyahu's temporary role as acting director is set to expire in two days, with legal opinions suggesting significant difficulties in extending his tenure.

Following the ruling, Finance Minister Smotrich fiercely criticized the Supreme Court and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, calling the decision a legal injustice. Smotrich claimed that the opposition to Eliyahu stems from his past activities in the Jewish community movement in Judea and Samaria and his intended land policies in the Negev and Galilee. He vowed to complete the appointment after the elections and called for reforms to remove extreme elements from the justice system.