Lapid Spokesperson Sparks Outrage With 'Rape Suspect' Remark
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Niv Dimor, spokesperson for Yair Lapid, defended Liran Avishar Ben Horin's appointment as Finance Committee chair by calling her husband a "cult member suspected of rape." The appointment faced criticism due to her husband's business ties to major corporations overseen by the committee. Critics argued this creates a conflict of interest, potentially paralyzing the committee's work. Supporters suggested a more measured response to the concerns.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yair Lapid's spokesperson called a prominent businessman a "cult member suspected of rape."
- The spokesperson defended Liran Avishar Ben Horin's appointment as Finance Committee chair.
- Ben Horin's husband's business ties to major corporations created conflict of interest concerns.
- Critics argued the appointment could paralyze the Finance Committee's operations.
- The "Change Bloc" faced criticism for preferring Ben Horin over other candidates.
Niv Dimor, spokesperson for opposition leader Yair Lapid, ignited a firestorm on social media Tuesday by defending a controversial appointment. Dimor addressed criticism against Liran Avishar Ben Horin's nomination as chairperson of the Knesset's Finance Committee, which arose due to her husband's business dealings. Dimor dismissed the concerns as "pathetic and chauvinistic" but then controversially stated it was "not right" that the "Change Bloc" preferred Ben Horin, a former director-general of a government ministry with a master's degree from NYU, over "a cult member suspected of rape."
The controversy surrounding Ben Horin's appointment stems from potential conflicts of interest. Her husband, Itai Ben Horin, is a co-founder and owner of the strategic consulting and communications firm "Ben Horin Alexandrovich," which represents major corporations. Critics argue that this creates an inherent bias, as the Finance Committee oversees critical sectors like banking, real estate, and taxation.
Supporters of the "Change Bloc" responded to Dimor's remarks, acknowledging Ben Horin's qualifications but suggesting a more reasoned approach to addressing the conflict of interest concerns. One commenter argued that Dimor's comparison was irrelevant and that Ben Horin's situation would necessitate her recusal from crucial economic discussions, effectively paralyzing the committee's function. Another user expressed a preference for Shaul Meridor, former head of the Budget Division at the Ministry of Finance, for the position.
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