Finance Committee Chair Milbitchki Rejects Legal Advisor's Claims of Budget Vote Irregularities

Following accusations from the Finance Committee's legal advisor, Shlomit Erlich, that two budget transfers approved overnight were illegal, committee chairman MK Hanoch Milbitchki issued a strong rebuttal letter rejecting these claims entirely. Milbitchki argued that no law or regulation was violated during the proceedings, which were conducted properly and will not be re-voted. He cited special circumstances, including the imminent end of the Knesset session and opposition refusal to discuss the transfers in a later meeting, as justification for proceeding without opposition consent.

Milbitchki emphasized that the transfers were necessary to avoid disrupting government operations and public services. He noted that some requests arrived late and awaited documentation, and that legal counsel initially refused to advance the matters despite committee members' requests. He also criticized Erlich personally, accusing her of allowing personal disputes and non-objective considerations to influence her legal advice.

Regarding specific budget items, Milbitchki highlighted a transfer related to funds for credit modernization, claims by Yemenite children, and victims of the "Slice" affair, stressing its public importance and noting opposition agreement to discuss it post-Knesset dissolution. He also defended a transfer exceeding one billion shekels to local authorities, dismissing claims of budgetary irregularities as technical errors. Another transfer discussed at length was published on July 13 and thoroughly examined during a late-night session, with Milbitchki noting that Erlich and her assistant left the meeting in protest, neglecting their advisory duties.

Milbitchki concluded that the discussions were lawful, comprehensive, and lasted over two and a half hours, and that no further debate would occur. He declared the matter closed, affirming the legality of the budget transfers and the committee's actions.