High Court: Yehuda Eliahu to remain at Israel Land Authority

The High Court of Justice ruled Thursday that Yehuda Eliyahu may continue serving as acting director-general of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), rejecting petitions filed by left-wing organisations and overruling the position of the Attorney-General.

In its decision, the court wrote: "We accept the position of the State respondents that disputes of the kind raised in this application should first and foremost be resolved through internal dialogue between government bodies, as is customary, and not by way of filing applications with this court, certainly not in the framework of proceedings in which a final judgment has been given."

The court clarified that under the arrangement accepted by the parties, an acting director was to be appointed to the ILA post under section 23(a)(3) of the Civil Service Law (Appointments), 5719–1959, beginning 22 July 2026. Accordingly, the counting of the periods listed in the section must begin from that date.

Several months ago, Eliyahu's appointment as director of the Israel Land Authority was cancelled after the government agreed to a proposal by the justices. Under that decision, he was supposed to continue in the role until 22 July 2026, after which an acting director would be appointed.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded: "Transferring the settlement revolution from Judea and Samaria to the Negev and the Galilee is critical and significant to the future of the State of Israel. One of the main tools through which we will transfer the revolution to the Negev and the Galilee is the Israel Land Authority, and I am pleased that Yehuda Eliahu, who has demonstrated impressive capability and execution, will continue in his role and transfer the revolution to the Negev and the Galilee."

The temporary appointment of Eliyahu as acting director-general allows the Authority to continue its day-to-day operations. Construction and Housing Minister Haim Katz signed the appointment letter after consulting with the Civil Service Commissioner, with the appointment made for three months or until a permanent director-general is appointed, whichever comes first.

The decision represents a significant victory for Minister Smotrich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stood behind the appointment despite the opposition. The search committee that recommended Eliyahu's appointment is expected to reconvene and re-examine the appointment process, with its composition expected to change due to concerns over conflicts of interest.