Husband of Finance Committee Chair Threatens Lawsuit Over Bank Tax Remarks

Itay Ben Horin, husband of the newly appointed Knesset Finance Committee Chairwoman Liran Avissar, has sent a legal warning to former committee chairman Hanoch Milwidsky. Ben Horin is demanding a public apology within 24 hours and financial compensation, threatening a defamation lawsuit over Milwidsky's claims that Ben Horin's firm exerted pressure regarding the taxation of banks.

Milwidsky made the remarks in a radio interview, discussing the committee's push to impose a tax on excess bank profits during his tenure. He stated that the move would bring NIS 3 billion to state coffers in 2026 and allocate NIS 175 million to a support fund for businesses in northern Israel, despite significant pressure from banks. Milwidsky specifically alleged that this pressure was applied through "the office of the husband of that lady, Ben Horin."

Ben Horin, through his strategy and communications firm, vehemently denies these allegations. His legal team asserts that the company does not operate as a lobbying firm, does not engage in influencing Knesset members, and has no involvement in bank regulatory matters. They further stated that the firm never dealt with the taxation of excess bank profits for any client, journalist, or other party, and that Ben Horin had no contact with Milwidsky on the subject.

The legal notice suggests Milwidsky's comments stem from political motives related to his replacement as committee chairman and could harm the company's client trust. The demands include an apology in the same media outlet where the original remarks were made and financial compensation to be donated to a women's rights organization.

Ben Horin publicly condemned Milwidsky's statements on social media, calling them a "complete lie" and stating he was not involved in the bank tax issue for even a minute. He emphasized that his firm does not handle bank regulatory issues and that his professional activities are independent of his wife's role in the Knesset. He declared that if an apology is not issued, it will be "the easiest defamation lawsuit in history," and he intends to donate any awarded funds to a support center for victims of sexual assault.