New Knesset Committee Chair Faces Scrutiny Over Husband's Business Ties

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Liran Avishar Ben-Horin, the new interim chairwoman of the Knesset's Finance Committee, is under fire due to her husband's business ties, raising conflict of interest concerns. Critics argue the scrutiny is disproportionate and potentially sexist, comparing it to past male politicians who faced less backlash for similar or worse situations. Ben-Horin has pledged to follow strict conflict-of-interest rules and delegate sensitive discussions if needed. The article suggests she should be allowed to work before being judged based on her marital status.

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New Knesset Finance Committee Chair Liran Avishar Ben-Horin faces criticism over her husband's business interests.
Critics cite potential conflicts of interest due to her husband's firm representing major corporations.
The article argues the backlash is disproportionate and potentially sexist compared to male politicians.
Ben-Horin has committed to strict conflict-of-interest rules and delegating sensitive discussions.
Past politicians like Meir Sheetrit faced similar, though less intense, scrutiny.
The author suggests Ben-Horin should be allowed to work before being judged.

Liran Avishar Ben-Horin, the newly appointed interim chairwoman of the Knesset's Finance Committee, is facing intense criticism due to her husband's business dealings. Ben-Horin, who previously served as Director-General of the Ministry of Communications and held other senior positions, has been attacked from various directions before even beginning her duties. The core of the controversy stems from her husband, Itai Ben-Horin, who co-owns a successful public relations and strategic consulting firm representing major corporations, including banks and financial institutions, some of which may appear before the Finance Committee.

Critics have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, questioning whether Ben-Horin can impartially oversee committee matters given her husband's client list. The article contrasts this scrutiny with the case of the committee's previous chairman, Hanokh Milwidsky, who faced allegations of rape (which he denied) but was still approved for the role, despite protests. The author suggests that the current outcry against Ben-Horin is disproportionate and potentially rooted in sexism, arguing that men in similar or even more questionable situations have not faced such intense backlash.

Examples cited include former minister Meir Sheetrit, whose wife ran a successful PR firm while he served as Finance and Transportation Minister. While a conflict of interest was raised during his tenure as Transportation Minister, his wife's firm withdrew from relevant public relations work. The article also notes that past ministers and prime ministers have held directorships and shares, often placing them in trust, without being forced to abandon their careers or relationships.

Ben-Horin herself has acknowledged the potential for conflicts and has committed to adhering to the strictest rules, even proposing to delegate discussions on certain topics to another Knesset member if necessary. She has stated her willingness to implement conflict-of-interest prevention measures, similar to those used when she was Director-General of the Ministry of Communications, where her husband avoided clients in the communications sector. The article concludes by urging that Ben-Horin be allowed to perform her duties before being judged, suggesting that the intense criticism might be amplified because she is a woman who is also highly competent and married to a successful businessman.