Incoming Finance Committee chair faces conflict-of-interest scrutiny over extensive business ties

The appointment of B'Yachad MK Liran Avisar Ben Horin as chair of the Knesset Finance Committee is drawing scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest stemming from her husband's role as a consultant for numerous major businesses across the economy, including Strauss Group, Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, and Teva.

MK Liran Avisar Ben Horin of the B'Yachad party has been appointed to chair the Knesset Finance Committee, the first woman to hold the position. The appointment has sparked controversy due to her husband Itay Ben Horin's role as co-founder and CEO of Ben Horin Alexandrovich, a major PR and strategic consulting firm representing prominent clients across Israel's economy, including Strauss Group, Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, Teva, and others. Avisar Ben Horin previously served as managing director at Keystone Infrastructure Fund, which has stakes in Egged and Hot Mobile, and as director general of the Communications Ministry, where she had a conflict-of-interest agreement regarding communications companies represented by her husband. The Finance Committee controls the agenda on legislation affecting banking, real estate, infrastructure, and taxes, giving companies represented by her husband a direct stake in its discussions. Under Knesset ethics rules, Avisar Ben Horin must recuse herself from matters where she or her spouse has a personal interest. She has expressed willingness to follow strict rules and recuse herself when necessary. The Movement for Quality Government has asked the Knesset legal adviser to review potential conflicts of interest to preserve public trust.