Ben-Horin Firm Threatens Defamation Lawsuit Against Ex-MK Milvitsky
Strategic communications firm Ben-Horin Alexandrovicz has issued a defamation warning to outgoing Finance Committee Chairman Hanoch Milvitsky over claims that banks exerted pressure through the firm regarding windfall taxes.
The strategic communications firm Ben-Horin Alexandrovicz has issued a formal legal warning letter ahead of a defamation lawsuit against former Likud MK and outgoing Finance Committee Chairman Hanoch Milvitsky. The dispute follows a radio interview in which Milvitsky claimed that banks exerted pressure on him through the firm while he was advancing a windfall tax on banking profits.
One of the firm's co-owners is Itai Ben-Horin, husband of MK Liran Avisar Ben-Horin (BeYachad), who was recently appointed to head the temporary Knesset Finance Committee for the 26th Knesset, becoming the first woman to hold the post. Her appointment sparked public criticism regarding a potential conflict of interest due to her husband's business activities. In response, the BeYachad party stated that it would act in accordance with the law and proper administrative rules.
During an interview with Meni Giro Schwartz and Avi Grinzaig on Kol Chai radio, Milvitsky criticized the appointment and discussed the banking windfall tax advanced by the committee under his leadership. According to his statements, the legislative effort successfully secured three billion shekels for the state budget for 2026 and allocated 175 million shekels to an assistance fund for businesses affected in the north.
According to the legal notice, Milvitsky claimed that these measures succeeded despite immense pressure exerted by banks, utilizing, among others, the firm owned by the husband of the newly appointed chairwoman. The letter notes that Milvitsky insinuated Ben-Horin exercises control over the vast majority of companies in the economy and questioned what would happen the next time taxation on banking profits is considered.
The warning letter, filed by attorneys Eran Weiner and Rotem Benztzki from the Barnea Jaffe Landa law firm, characterizes the remarks as false and baseless, asserting that the allegations of pressure are entirely fabricated. The firm emphasizes that Ben-Horin Alexandrovicz is not a lobbying firm, does not maintain lobbying connections with members of lawmakers, and as a public relations consultancy did not handle the issue whatsoever.
The firm further stated that it has never worked on regulatory matters with any banks, that no banks approached them regarding the banking profits tax, and that neither the firm nor Ben-Horin exerted any pressure or contacted Milvitsky on the matter, calling the claims an absolute lie.
According to the legal counsel, Milvitsky's statements stemmed from an improper personal and political agenda following the leadership change at the Finance Committee. The firm argues that the remarks damage the professional reputation of the agency and its owners, undermine client trust, and constitute defamation.
Milvitsky has been given 24 hours to publish a clear apology and retraction in the media outlets where the remarks were originally broadcast, using wording pre-approved by the firm, and to coordinate financial compensation to be donated to an organization promoting women's rights in Israel. The firm warned that failure to comply will result in immediate legal action without further notice.
