Following reports regarding the summoning of Yehuda Eliyahu to a hearing, a clarification on behalf of Minister Haim Katz:
“There is no basis whatsoever for the claims that Yehuda Eliyahu was summoned to a pre-dismissal hearing or that this has any connection to appointments he was asked to make. Rather, serious allegations of severe mismanagement at the Israel Land Authority (ILA) have reached my desk, which I cannot accept. These concern, among other things, poor interpersonal relations and the exclusion of women, and raise serious concerns regarding his suitability to manage the Authority. This is in addition to his lack of cooperation on the issue of expanding and adapting the rights and entitlements of career service members and their families.
All of these matters will be examined as part of the hearing, which will be conducted with an open mind and in good faith, in accordance with the rules of proper administration.
If we are unable to reach an understanding, I will act to appoint an interim director who will advance Jewish settlement in the Negev and Galilee—a national issue that is at the top of my priorities. This is also an opportunity to remind anyone who may have forgotten that I was among the leaders of the revolt against the Disengagement. At the same time, a director is needed who knows how to implement essential reforms in staffing and in service to the public.”