Israel Land Administration director-general Adv. Avi Drexler has resigned. Drexler so notified Prime Minister Ehud Barak today.
Drexler states, in his letter of resignation, that in his opinion, "the Prime Minister should be free to choose the team most suitable for heading the reform, and especially the ILA director, who plays a key role in the success of the reform".
Drexler notified Barak that his resignation would be effective immediately. He promised, however, to be at Barak’s disposal at all times. Drexler is reportedly now heading for private business. He told "Globes", however "I have nothing against the Prime Minister. If the Prime Minister tells me he has confidence in me, I will consider the possibility of continuing in my post".
Political sources recently stated, as reported by "Globes", that Shas wants the job of ILA director-general for one of its members, and its candidate for the job is Adv. Sinai Gilboa, considered an expert on real estate affairs.
Drexler was appointed ILA director-general about eighteen months ago by the then Minister of National Infrastructures Ariel Sharon, and also gained the confidence of incumbent minister, Eliyahu Suissa. In that period, Drexler made a number of material changes in the ILA’s work structure. He also took steps to restore to State ownership lands transferred into other hands, such as the Jewish Agency, Bezeq and Kibbutz Glil Yam.
Drexler also permitted land purchasers to trade in their lands and sell them to other developers without obtaining the ILA’s permission. He also took steps to extend the lease period of lands from 49 to 98 years. Drexler caused the ILA’s tenders committee to work quickly and speeded up the pace of land marketing.
He also worked to boost the flow of information on real estate matters to the public, and to simplify procedures. The ILA, under Drexler’s leadership, recently succeeded in selling a series of lots that could not be sold in the past, such as those in the south Kirya in Tel Aviv, and in downtown Haifa.
Published by Israel's Business Arena October 6, 1999