Jerusalem, 15 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The High Court of Justice on Thursday approved a three-month extension for Yehuda Eliyahu to serve as acting director of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), overriding explicit opposition from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.
The ruling, issued hours before Eliyahu’s temporary appointment was set to expire, calculated his maximum interim tenure from July 2026, when his permanent appointment was disqualified due to his close political ties with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Smotrich hailed the decision, celebrating it as a significant victory that ensures continuity. However, final implementation still requires approval from Housing Minister Haim Katz amid internal coalition tensions.
The Israel Land Authority manages over 90% of Israel’s public land, overseeing real estate allocations, residential development, and national housing policies.
