Democratic Primaries Spark Public Clash Over Funding Allegations in Israeli Left-Wing Camp

Just days before the Democratic Party primaries, tensions within Israel's left-wing camp have erupted into a public dispute between two prominent figures in the anti-government protest movement. Attorney Gonen Ben Yitzhak launched a rare and sharp attack against Moshe Redman, a candidate for the party list, accusing him of financial misconduct related to funds received during the protest years. Ben Yitzhak challenged Redman's narrative of personal sacrifice, alleging that while Redman portrayed himself as a high-tech professional who gave up income to dedicate himself to the protest, he actually established a private company of which he is the sole shareholder and director. According to Ben Yitzhak, millions of shekels were transferred to this company from various wealthy sources to produce liberal content, but these funds were not directed to a nonprofit or any public body subject to oversight.

Ben Yitzhak demanded transparency regarding the amounts received, the donors, and the content produced. He also questioned the separation between this private company and "Ogen LaAtid," the movement led by Redman that also raises public funds and produces liberal content. Additional concerns were raised about crowdfunding money intended for an injured protester, with some funds allegedly diverted to Redman's private company. Ben Yitzhak claimed that around the time of these transfers, Redman had to pledge an equivalent sum to a bank to secure credit, with related documents reportedly held in the company's files.

This new allegation of millions in funds significantly expands on a previous 2024 report by Channel 12 News, which revealed that over 100,000 shekels were raised for an injured protester, but only 15,000 shekels reached her, while 54,000 shekels were transferred to Redman's private company. Redman had previously denied wrongdoing, calling the report a "deliberate smear attempt," and published documents he said disproved the claims. Ben Yitzhak, who appeared in that earlier investigation criticizing Redman's conduct, now intensifies his accusations.

Beyond financial issues, Ben Yitzhak attacked Redman's image of self-sacrifice, asserting that from the start of the protests, Redman received thousands of shekels per video produced. While acknowledging there is no wrongdoing in being paid for work, Ben Yitzhak condemned the false portrayal of complete personal sacrifice. After online exchanges, Ben Yitzhak stood firm, posing two key questions: the name of the private company Redman established during the protests and the exact amount of money funneled to it by wealthy donors. He explicitly linked his revelations to Redman's Democratic primary campaign, insisting that candidates must fully disclose their funding sources and financial dealings. Ben Yitzhak concluded by inviting Redman to publicly refute any inaccuracies and promised to correct mistakes if proven wrong, but warned that this disclosure is "just the tip of the iceberg."

Redman has previously rejected allegations concerning the transfer of donation funds to his private company, maintaining that all money was or will be used for protest activities.