developing· Politics· Updated 13:23

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

On Thursday, October 15, 2026, Minister of Construction and Housing Chaim Katz extended the term of Yehuda Eliyahu as acting director of the Israel Land Authority for an additional three months, or until a permanent director is appointed, whichever comes first. The decision followed a clarification meeting involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where disagreements between the parties were resolved.

6 newsrooms · 1 language · since 12:39

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

What happened

01Minister of Construction and Housing Chaim Katz extended Yehuda Eliyahu's term as acting director of the Israel Land Authority for three months on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
02The decision followed a clarification meeting involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which resolved ongoing disputes between the parties.
03Eliyahu, a close associate of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, had previously been summoned by Katz for a pre-dismissal hearing following union complaints of mismanagement.
04The Supreme Court cleared the legal path for the extension, overcoming previous objections from the ministry's legal advisor regarding prolonged acting appointments.
05Minister Katz stated that the extension aims to facilitate cooperation and advance Jewish communities in the Galilee, the Negev, and across Israel.
06Minister Smotrich defended Eliyahu, condemning what he characterized as lies and corruption aimed at undermining the acting director.

Eliyahu, who is considered a close confidant of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, was appointed acting director on July 16, 2026, after the Supreme Court canceled his permanent appointment. His initial three-month term was nearing its expiration. Last month, Minister Katz had summoned Eliyahu for a pre-dismissal hearing following allegations of poor management detailed in a letter from the workers' union, sparking a sharp confrontation between Katz and Smotrich.

The extension was made possible after a Supreme Court ruling cleared the legal hurdles for Eliyahu to continue in his temporary role, bypassing previous objections from the ministry's legal advisor regarding acting appointments exceeding six months. Following the meeting with Netanyahu, Katz canceled the hearing, examined Eliyahu's claims, and signed the extension.

Minister Katz welcomed the court's decision, stating his belief in cooperation to advance Jewish communities in the Galilee, the Negev, and all parts of Israel. Meanwhile, Minister Smotrich condemned what he described as the spread of lies and the bloodletting of Eliyahu, attributing the opposition to corruption within the authority.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 5 newsrooms. Updated 13:16