Knesset Forms Temporary Finance Committee, Appoints First Female Chair
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
The Knesset Arrangements Committee has established a temporary Finance Committee to operate until a new government is formed, appointing MK Liran Avishar Ben-Hurie as its first female chair. The committee's responsibilities will include managing the 2027 budget and addressing potential military and civilian issues. Concerns about conflicts of interest have been raised due to Avishar Ben-Hurie's husband's business dealings with regulated entities, though she has pledged to adhere to strict ethical standards.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Liran Avishar Ben-Hurie appointed first female chair of Knesset's temporary Finance Committee.
- Temporary Finance Committee will serve until a new government is formed.
- Concerns raised over potential conflicts of interest due to husband's business ties.
- Avishar Ben-Hurie committed to adhering to strict conflict-of-interest rules.
- Committee will manage 2027 budget and address military and civilian issues.
The Knesset Arrangements Committee, headed by MK Roey Folkman, has determined the composition of the temporary Finance Committee, which will serve until a new government is formed. MK Liran Avishar Ben-Hurie will chair the committee, marking the first time a woman holds this position. The committee is expected to manage the 2027 budget as a continuing budget and may also address military and civilian issues arising during this period.
The committee members include MKs Yaakov Bardugo, David Peter, Talik Guili, and Eti Attia from Likud; Orit Farkash Hacohen and Shaul Meridor from Yesh Atid; Avishar Ben-Hurie as chairwoman and Noam Tibon from National Unity; Ahmed Tibi and one other unidentified MK from the Joint List; Naama Lazimi and Yaya Fink from the Democrats; Iman Khatib Yassin from Ra'am; Hamad Amer from Yisrael Beiteinu; Yitzhak Kroizer from Otzma Yehudit; Yinon Azoulay from Shas; Yaakov Asher from United Torah Judaism; and Tzviקה Mor from Religious Zionism. Eight of these MKs served on the Finance Committee in the previous Knesset, with Yaakov Asher being the only one not new to the role.
Concerns have been raised regarding potential conflicts of interest for Avishar Ben-Hurie due to her marriage to Itay Ben-Hurie, a partner in a major Israeli public relations firm. This firm advises large companies, including banks and financial institutions regulated by the Finance Committee, such as Mizrahi Tefahot, Altshuler Shaham, Cal, and Brink's. The firm also represents the Israel Bar Association, the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce, and the Association of Mortgage Consultants.
The Movement for Quality of Government has appealed to Knesset Legal Advisor Sagit Ofek to investigate these potential conflicts. Deputy Director General Tomer Naor stated that while professional and business ties do not automatically indicate a conflict of interest, the areas of activity of the investment fund where Avishar Ben-Hurie worked and the clients of her husband's firm could be directly impacted by the committee's decisions and legislation. The committee chair's ability to set the agenda could influence the timing and priorities of discussions beyond simple voting.
Avishar Ben-Hurie addressed the concerns, acknowledging that while government conflict-of-interest rules do not strictly apply to Knesset members, she is prepared to adhere to the strictest standards. She stated she would recuse herself from any matters where a conflict arises and appoint someone else to handle them. Her appointment has also received positive reactions, partly because she is a woman succeeding MK Hanoch Milwidsky, who is suspected of rape.
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