Housing Minister Chaim Katz abruptly summoned Yehuda Eliyahu, the acting director of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), in what appeared to be a move toward dismissal. The relationship between the two officials has deteriorated in recent months, sources indicated.
The Israel Land Authority manages state-owned land, which comprises approximately 93% of Israel's territory. Eliahu's appointment has been viewed by many on the political right as ideologically significant, particularly regarding land development in the Negev desert and Galilee regions in northern Israel.
News of the summons sparked immediate pushback from right-wing figures, including some close to Netanyahu's Likud party. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moved quickly to defuse the crisis, with his office announcing that despite the housing minister's actions, Eliahu would remain in his position.
Knesset member Limor Son Har-Melech voiced strong opposition to Katz's move, stating: "Yehuda Eliyahu at the ILA is the right person in the right place. After years in which they preferred the Arabs in the Negev and Galilee, he came and started to bring order. Apparently this bothers someone."
Even Yinon Magal, a right-wing commentator, issued a sharp warning, threatening to withhold his vote from the party if the dismissal proceeded: "The appointment of Yehuda Eliyahu as CEO of the ILA is the last chance to save the Negev and Galilee. It's that simple. The future of the state hangs in the balance here. If Chaim Katz fires him, I won't vote for Likud."
Netanyahu intervened before the controversy could escalate further. A statement from the Likud party on behalf of the prime minister declared: "Prime Minister Netanyahu approved the appointment of Yehuda Eliahu as acting CEO of the ILA, who is doing important national work in the Galilee and Negev, and he will not be fired."
