Overview
- Reports say Housing Minister Chaim Katz is considering appointing Yehuda Morgenstern as acting director-general of the Israel Land Authority until a formal appointments committee convenes, and the move has not been confirmed.
- Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli publicly opposed the reported plan, arguing the authority should not be controlled by a Gur Hasidic real estate faction and should be led by Zionist priorities that strengthen the Galilee and Negev and support reservists.
- In a detailed letter, Chikli tied Morgenstern, former ILA chief Yanki Quint, and ex-housing minister Yitzhak Goldknopf to what he described as sectoral favoritism in tenders and land valuations that he says disadvantaged reserve soldiers and peripheral communities.
- United Torah Judaism leader Yitzhak Goldknopf condemned Chikli’s statements as discriminatory, defended Morgenstern’s qualifications, and called on the prime minister to denounce Chikli’s remarks.
- The clash has escalated pressure within the coalition as the prospective interim appointment remains under consideration and allies press for a response from the prime minister.