High Court rules: Yehuda Eliyahu to continue as acting director of Israel Land Authority

The High Court of Justice ruled that Yehuda Eliyahu may continue to serve as acting director of the Israel Land Authority, contrary to the position of the Attorney General. The decision was made following petitions filed against his continued tenure. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcomed the ruling and emphasized the authority's importance for promoting settlement in the Negev and Galilee.

The High Court of Justice ruled today (Thursday) that Yehuda Eliyahu may continue to serve as acting director of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), contrary to the position of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. The decision was made following petitions filed against his continued tenure. The ruling constitutes a political achievement for Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who supported his continued tenure. Smotrich welcomed the decision and presented Eliyahu's continued tenure as a significant step for promoting settlement and development policy in the Negev and Galilee. According to him, the ILA is one of the main tools through which planned moves in these areas can be advanced. The decision comes after in July his permanent appointment as director of the ILA was canceled, following petitions concerning the appointment process and his connection to the Finance Minister. As part of the arrangement then established, it was decided to hold a renewed examination of candidates for the position, with the possibility of appointing an acting director.