Acting Director of the Israel Land Authority Summoned to a Pre-Dismissal Hearing

Reasons for the Hearing

Katz announced that serious allegations concerning Eliyahu’s performance would be examined during the hearing, including unsatisfactory relations with employees and the exclusion of women. The minister pledged to conduct the proceeding impartially and in accordance with the rules of proper administration. The summons to a hearing does not yet indicate that Eliyahu will be dismissed, and the source does not state the proceeding’s final outcome.

Eliyahu’s Position

Eliyahu called the claims presented baseless. According to him, the confrontation began after he refused to comply with the minister’s demands to terminate the tenures of senior authority employees without professional or managerial grounds. He further claims that the minister’s office demanded the coordination of tenders for mid-level and more senior positions, thereby restricting his professional authority.

The Employees’ Allegations

The chair of the authority’s employees’ committee, Shelly Yirmiyahu, and her deputy, attorney Lilach Guterman, who represent approximately 800 employees, reported alleged management problems to the minister. Among other things, they mentioned the cancellation of an event due to objections to a performance that included women singing; they claim this led to compensation of approximately 200,000 shekels for the company that won the tender. The authority previously explained that the program was changed out of a desire to accommodate employees’ requests and ensure the participation of all employees.

The Previous High Court of Justice Ruling

The government appointed Eliyahu as the authority’s permanent director in May, but the High Court of Justice overturned the appointment following petitions that were filed, among other reasons because of his affiliation with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Under the law, a person affiliated with the appointing minister may be appointed only if special qualifications have been demonstrated. Under a compromise agreed upon with the government, the search committee must reexamine the candidates, including Eliyahu; in mid-July, he was appointed acting director for three months or until a permanent director is selected.

The Political Response

Likud stated on behalf of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Eliyahu would not be dismissed. Ministers Shlomo Karhi, Amichai Chikli, and Bezalel Smotrich also came to his defense and criticized Katz. However, the source reports only that a hearing has been scheduled, not that a decision has been made to terminate Eliyahu’s tenure.

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