Husband of Finance Committee Chairwoman Threatens Defamation Suit Against Predecessor

Itai Ben-Chorin, husband of the designated Finance Committee chairwoman Liran Avishar Ben-Horin, has sent a warning letter to former committee chairman Hanoch Milvitzky, threatening a defamation lawsuit. The dispute stems from remarks Milvitzky made in a radio interview, claiming "immense pressure from the banks" was exerted during the last Knesset term through Ben-Chorin's firm. Ben-Chorin vehemently denied these allegations on social media, calling it "the easiest defamation suit in history" and demanding a public apology and correction within 24 hours, or he would file suit.

Milvitzky had stated in the interview that the Knesset's work on bank capital gains tax, which resulted in banks paying an additional three billion shekels in 2026, faced "immense pressure from the banks, through, among others, Itai Ben-Chorin's office." The warning letter asserts that Milvitzky's claims are false and damaging, stating Ben-Chorin's company never represented banks, acted on their behalf, or dealt with their taxation or profits. The letter emphasizes that the company had no connection to the issue Milvitzky raised and that his statements falsely attribute involvement in pressuring the Finance Committee and influencing its decisions.

Ben-Chorin further attacked Milvitzky, stating, "Hanoch Milvitzky forgot he no longer has immunity as a Knesset member and allowed himself to lie." He reiterated that the claim of exerting pressure regarding banks is "an absolute lie," asserting he never spent even a minute on the issue and is not a lobbyist for banks. He clarified he does not engage in bank regulation matters, either in his role as a strategy and communications consultant or through his connections.

The article also highlights a potential conflict of interest for Liran Avishar Ben-Horin, who was appointed chairwoman of the Finance Committee. Her husband's role as co-CEO and co-owner of the public relations and strategic consulting firm Ben-Chorin Alexandrovich, which represents numerous clients in the financial sector including Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, Cal, and Altshuler Shaham, could create conflicts during discussions on bank fees, taxation, and pension savings.