MK Demands Clarity on Finance Committee Chair's Conflict of Interest
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
MK David Peter has demanded the Knesset's legal counsel issue a clear stance on potential conflicts of interest for Finance Committee Chair Liran Avishar Ben-Horin, due to her husband's business dealings. Her husband's firm represents major companies in sectors overseen by the committee. Peter stated that the era of "a different law for each person" is over and he will determine his next steps after receiving the legal opinion.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK David Peter demanded a legal opinion on Finance Committee Chair Liran Avishar Ben-Horin's conflict of interest.
- Ben-Horin's husband's firm represents major companies in sectors relevant to the Finance Committee.
- Peter cited a past case involving MK Miki Zohar regarding conflict of interest rules.
- Peter stated that the practice of "a different law for each person" must end.
- Ben-Horin previously agreed to avoid matters involving her husband's clients without legal approval.
Member of Knesset David Peter has sharply demanded that the Knesset's legal counsel publish a comprehensive stance on potential conflicts of interest concerning the Chairperson of the Finance Committee, Liran Avishar Ben-Horin. This call follows questions raised about the business activities of her husband, Itai Ben-Horin, in strategy and communication.
Peter cited a 2017 decision against then-MK Miki Zohar, who faced scrutiny for discussing the development of the Carmei Gat neighborhood as committee chair, despite making a full disclosure. Peter argued that while MKs generally do not have conflicts of interest as public representatives, direct business relationships present a different scenario.
He urged the Knesset's legal department to issue an immediate, broad position on the matter, stating that he would decide on further steps after receiving it. Peter concluded with a firm message: "This story of a different law for each person is over. Not on our watch."
Questions about Ben-Horin's potential conflicts of interest arose after her recent appointment as Finance Committee chair, a position secured as part of coalition agreements. Her husband's firm, Ben-Horin Alexandrovich, which he co-owns, reportedly has major clients including Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, Altshuler Shaham, CAL, Strauss, SolarEdge, and Ashtrom. These entities operate in sectors central to the Finance Committee's work, such as banking, capital markets, credit, taxation, energy, food, and real estate.
According to a conflict of interest arrangement Ben-Horin signed in 2020 when she was director-general of the Ministry of Communications, her husband held a 50% stake in the firm. She committed to regularly disclose significant clients and avoid handling matters related to them without legal counsel approval.
David Peter, recently appointed to the Knesset representing a reserved list for the Likud party, has gained recognition as a leading lawyer representing the government in complex Supreme Court cases. He is respected in right-wing circles for his strong stances and public criticism of Supreme Court justices.
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