MK's Partner Threatens Lawsuit Against Colleague Over Bank Lobbying Claims

Itay Ben Horin, communications advisor and partner of newly appointed Knesset Member Liran Avishar Ben Horin (Bayehed party), has sent a defamation warning letter to Likud MK Hanoch Milvitzky. The letter stems from remarks Milvitzky made in an interview on Radio Kol Chai, where he alleged that Ben Horin's office was involved in pressuring banks to influence the Knesset Finance Committee. Liran Avishar Ben Horin was recently appointed chair of the Finance Committee, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest due to her partner's business dealings as a consultant for major companies.

The warning letter, sent by the law firm Barnea Jaffa Lande & Co., addresses Milvitzky's interview with hosts Guy Sharon and Avi Greenzayg. In the interview, Milvitzky discussed legislation to impose a tax on excess bank profits, which he stated would generate approximately 3 billion shekels for the state treasury in 2026 and allocate 175 million shekels to a support fund for businesses in northern Israel. He then claimed the legislation passed due to the Finance Committee's determination, despite "enormous pressure from the banks, through, among others, the office of that lady's husband... Ben Horin."

Ben Horin's lawyers assert that Milvitzky's statements created the impression that his client's office lobbied for banks to influence the committee's decisions. Ben Horin denies these allegations, stating he was not involved in such activities. The letter characterizes Milvitzky's claims as "false and baseless accusations" that harm his reputation and professional standing. His legal team argues that Ben Horin does not engage in lobbying for banks or attempt to influence Knesset members regarding the excess profits tax legislation, and that Milvitzky's remarks lacked sufficient factual basis.

The lawyers demand that Milvitzky issue a clear correction and apology within 24 hours via the same media outlets where the remarks were made, with the apology text subject to Ben Horin's approval. They also request financial compensation, to be donated to a women's rights organization, without specifying an amount. The letter warns that if these demands are not met, Ben Horin reserves the right to pursue legal action under the Defamation Law.

The warning letter arrives amid significant media coverage of Avishar Ben Horin's appointment as Finance Committee chair, including reports on her partner's business ties and potential conflicts of interest. However, the letter specifically addresses Milvitzky's allegation of bank lobbying, which Ben Horin denies, distinguishing it from the broader public discussion on potential conflicts.