Likud MK Accused of Rape Named Knesset Finance Chair

Controversial Appointment Sparks Outcry

The recent appointment of Likud lawmaker Hanoch Milwidsky as the chair of the Knesset Finance Committee has sparked widespread controversy and public outrage, particularly due to ongoing police investigations into serious allegations against him. Despite these concerns, the Knesset House Committee approved his appointment, with support from coalition members and opposition lawmakers who expressed their views on the matter.

A Divided Vote

The vote to appoint Milwidsky passed with nine coalition members in favor and six opposition lawmakers opposing. Notably, no members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition publicly opposed the nomination. However, some opposition sources indicated that several Likud MKs had privately objected but were afraid of political retaliation in upcoming party primaries. MK Pnina Tamano-Shata suggested that if the vote had been secret, the appointment would have failed.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid strongly condemned the decision, calling it a "crossing of a red line" and stating that it "normalizes harm to women." He added that the coalition "hates women and is dismantling Israeli society."

Protests and Public Criticism

Prior to the vote, female lawmakers from opposition parties such as Yesh Atid, Blue and White, and The Democrats held a protest statement in the Knesset's Committee on the Status of Women. They had previously appealed to coalition chair Ofir Katz and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to suspend the appointment, which went unanswered.

Other opposition members also voiced criticism. Knesset member Naama Lazimi sent a letter to fellow lawmakers urging them not to ignore the allegations, writing, "Don't say you didn't know. Stop covering it up."

During the committee session, an aide to an opposition lawmaker was expelled after a confrontation with a coalition MK. The opposition accused the coalition member of physically assaulting the aide and demanded disciplinary action.

Advocacy Groups Speak Out

Several advocacy groups have raised concerns about the implications of Milwidsky’s appointment. The Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, and coalition chair Ofir Katz, urging them to block the appointment. Orit Sulitzeanu, CEO of the Rape Crisis Center network, called the day "a black day in the struggle against sexual violence," emphasizing that the message is clear: victims don't count, and politicians care only about preserving power.

Feminist group Bnot Alternativa stated, "The coalition's message to Israeli women is: 'We're spitting on your personal safety.'" In a press release, the association warned that "appointing someone under such serious suspicion sends a permissive message regarding sexual violence, erodes public trust in state institutions, and inflicts further harm on victims."

Hagit Peer, chair of Na'amat, one of Israel's leading women's advocacy organizations, also appealed to Netanyahu. She wrote, "It is unacceptable for someone under criminal investigation for such serious allegations to serve in a position of such public importance."

Likud’s Response

Likud officials pushed back against the criticism, accusing Attorney General Baharav-Miara of waging an "unrestrained campaign of persecution against the Israeli government and its representatives," calling her actions "a threat to national security." The party claimed that since the government announced its intention to dismiss her, the attorney general has been obstructing its work in every possible way and launching reckless investigations against coalition members.

According to Likud, Baharav-Miara is "in a clear conflict of interest and acting like someone burning the house down to prevent her own dismissal."

Background on the Allegations

Police suspect that Milwidsky, who previously served as legal adviser to the Bnei Baruch movement, pressured a woman not to testify against the community's leader, Rabbi Michael Laitman, and is also suspected of raping another woman who testified about the assault. During a defamation lawsuit involving Bnei Baruch, a woman alleged sexual assault by Laitman. According to her, she confided in her friend "A," who claimed that Laitman had also had sexual relations with her.

"A," a Russian national, was asked to testify on behalf of Bnei Baruch to refute allegations made by her friend and complied. Last year, the police took her testimony in Russia concerning suspicions of witness tampering. During that testimony, "A" stated that after she testified in favor of Laitman, Milwidsky came to the hotel in Tel Aviv where she was staying and raped her. The complainant also told police that Milwidsky sent her unsolicited nude photos.

Law enforcement sources have expressed skepticism about whether the investigation into Milwidsky will result in an indictment, partly because the primary complainant, known as "A," lives in Russia and has refused to travel to Israel to testify.

Denials and Previous Claims

Milwidsky has denied the allegations and was released from police questioning without restrictive conditions. Two other suspects in the case received minimal restrictions. According to a police source, Milwidsky was also questioned regarding allegations by another woman that he sent her intimate photos without her consent.

Last year, nude photos allegedly showing Milwidsky circulated online. The lawmaker said the images were fabricated and that he had been the target of an extortion attempt. His claims were never substantiated.

Despite the serious allegations against him, not a single Likud lawmaker has publicly opposed Milwidsky's appointment. On the contrary, several have voiced their support. MK Tally Gotliv wrote on social media, "The presumption of innocence is a sacred value. The malicious persecution of Milwidsky at this time raises serious questions and concerns." In a video aired on i24NEWS, Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen dismissed the rape allegation as "nonsense," telling Milwidsky, "We love you, we're with you," and embracing him.

Culture Minister Miki Zohar also defended Milwidsky in an interview with the Knesset Channel, saying right-wing politicians were being targeted. "As long as there is no formal decision or conviction," he said, "I see no reason to block Milwidsky's appointment."

Path to Leadership

Milwidsky's path to chairing the Finance Committee began when Likud replaced Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chair Yuli Edelstein with fellow party member Boaz Bismuth. Although Milwidsky was also considered for the post – and reportedly initiated the move to replace Edelstein – Likud ultimately decided that he would take over the Finance Committee from Moshe Gafni, who left the coalition amid a dispute over legislation to exempt ultra-Orthodox Israelis from mandatory military service.

The Finance Committee vote was pushed through the same day with coalition majority support, despite the Knesset being in recess. While Milwidsky's appointment was rushed through both committees in a single day, Bismuth's confirmation as Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chair is only expected the following Monday.