Netanyahu's Likud Faces Fallout Over Alleged Rape and Witness Tampering Case

The Likud's Unwavering Support for a Suspected Rapist

The idea of having a Finance Committee chairman who is suspected of serious crimes, such as rape and witness tampering, should be deeply troubling to anyone with a sense of morality in the Knesset and across the country. Whether or not he is ultimately indicted, the mere suspicion raises serious concerns about the integrity of those in power.

It took 48 hours after the news broke that MK Hanoch Milwidsky was being investigated for these allegations before the Likud party released a statement on the matter. This delay led some to hope that perhaps this time, the party had reached its breaking point—especially when it came to allegations involving sexual assault. However, what followed was anything but reassuring.

The Likud’s response was uncharacteristically harsh and defensive, accusing the attorney general of launching an "unbridled campaign of persecution" and labeling the investigation as a threat to national security. The party claimed that the attorney general was conducting "wild investigations" against coalition members and acting like a "barn-burner" in an attempt to avoid dismissal. These statements painted a picture of a party more interested in protecting its own than in upholding justice.

This kind of behavior is not new for the Likud. Under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the party has increasingly aligned itself with extreme positions, often at the expense of the rule of law. Netanyahu, currently facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, has long been at odds with law enforcement and judicial institutions. His rhetoric has helped shape a party that now mirrors the far-right Otzma Yehudit party in many ways.

There is no longer a clear distinction between the two. Both parties are led by figures who seek to undermine state institutions, harass investigators, and prolong conflicts for personal and political gain. Netanyahu, in many ways, is similar to Itamar Ben-Gvir, though with more charisma. The Likud has become a reflection of his ideology, prioritizing loyalty over ethics.

The party’s spokesperson, likely acting on Netanyahu’s orders, launched a vicious attack on Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. This was part of a broader effort to weaken her position, which is seen as a key goal for the government. However, this approach ignores the victims of sexual assault and could have a chilling effect on future complaints. In legal terms, this is known as a "chilling effect," a tactic used by organized crime to deter reporting.

Milwidsky is one of the party’s most favored members. He previously worked for the Bnei Baruch organization, which brought the Likud thousands of new supporters. Although the group is no longer under his full control, he still holds significant influence. Many within the party are aware of the organization’s dark history, including allegations of cult-like behavior and serious sex crimes.

Milwidsky himself is known for his volatile temper and aggressive behavior. His outbursts in the Knesset are alarming, and as a legal adviser to Bnei Baruch’s leader, he was involved in targeting women who filed or threatened to file complaints against his client.

Interestingly, one of Milwidsky’s vocal defenders was a woman—Likud MK Tally Gotliv. Like him, she has a history of defending individuals accused of serious crimes, including pedophiles and rapists. Her support for Milwidsky may be tied to the need for votes in upcoming primaries, where a few hundred votes could determine whether she makes it into the next Knesset.

Critics have questioned the timing of the investigation, which coincided with Milwidsky’s potential appointment as chairman of the Knesset Finance Committee. While it’s hoped that this was not intentional, the timing raises concerns about whether the investigation was designed to block his appointment.

The thought of a Finance Committee chairman suspected of such crimes is deeply unsettling. Even if he is never formally charged, the allegations alone disqualify him from holding any major position. If public figures like Eyal Golan are being boycotted due to past misconduct, Milwidsky should face even greater scrutiny.

Originally, Milwidsky was considered for a leadership role in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee—a position that would have granted him access to Israel’s most sensitive security information. That possibility was eventually dropped, but the fact that he was ever considered highlights the deep flaws in the party’s judgment.

Despite the controversy, it seems unlikely that Milwidsky’s appointment will be delayed or blocked. Instead, it may be accelerated, with celebrations expected in the committee. These festivities will coincide with the anticipated ouster of Attorney General Baharav-Miara, further cementing the Likud’s commitment to protecting its own at all costs.