Category: Daily Updates


Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 54: Mobile Phones, Captives, Parties, Reservists and Disclosure Bills Advance

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — 1 Comment
March 8, 2012

The Knesset’s Wednesday session lasted about seven hours. 15 bills were discussed. Eight bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings, and seven bills were defeated. The bills advanced would force mobile phone companies to warn their consumers of the dangers of using their products; increase the pension of Independence War veterans; transfer information from the population registry to the parties before party primaries; grant an additional payment to soldiers who exceed the maximum number of reserve days a year; require politicians not registered in a party to follow the rules of supervision and transparency that apply to registered parties; and, lastly, require companies to disclose what cut they receive when they recommend a different businesses product to a consumer.

 

Non-Bills Summary

* Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.) answered two queries at the beginning of the session.

* House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) announced that MK Shnaan (Independence) will replace MK Wilf (Independence) in the Funds, State Comptroller, and Science and Technology Committees. He also announced that MK Shai (Kadima) will replace MK Tiviaev (Kadima) in a subcommittee.

* House Committee Chairman Levin announced a long list of disputed bills and motions and which committees will discuss them. He asked the Knesset to approve the request, and they did with a 7-0 vote.

* Six motions were discussed on a wide variety of topics. The motions were sent to committee by the votes 9-4, 11-0, 7-3, 5-0, 2-0 and 4-0.

Bills Summary

 

Notification of Dangers of Usage of a Mobile Phone Bill x2

MK Shamalov Berkovich (Kadima) explained her bill would require the mobile phone companies to notify users of the dangers of the device. She said mobile phones have taken over our lives and every little thing is connected to the phones. She said that many studies teach us that cell phones can cause cancer and even change the human DNA. She went on to list the dangers of cell phones and asked if they were worth it. She told parents that they should be ashamed of themselves for giving their children cell phones and warned that children under 16 have their brains fried from cell phones.

MK Khenin (Hadash) announced his similar bill would require protection of using a mobile phone and restrict advertising in many cases. He said the part of his bill that would be advancing would require the mobile phone companies to notify its customers of its dangers.

Environment Minister Erdan (Likud) expressed government support for the bills. He said the government doesn’t know if cell phones cause cancer, but it doesn’t hurt to be careful and support this bill. He said it is easier for people to lower their cell phone consumption than to complain to their municipality about antennas.

The first bill passed its preliminary reading 18-0 and was sent to the House Committee to decide which committee would discuss it further.

The second bill passed its preliminary reading 22-0 and was sent to the House Committee to decide which committee would discuss it further.

Amendment to the Former Captives’ Payment Bill x2

MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) explained his amendment would provide a 25% increase in the financial grant for elderly former captives who were captured during the Independence War.

MK Elkin (Likud) explained his similar amendment would accomplish the same thing. He thanked the government for supporting the bills and asked the Knesset to advance the bill as soon as possible. He noted most of the people in question are over the age of 80 and need the money yesterday.

Minister Begin (Likud) expressed government support for the bill. He said the bill will cost around five million shekels a year. He said former captives over the age of 67 receive NIS 14,500 annually and those eligible will see a raise of close to 5,000.

The first bill passed its preliminary reading 19-0 and was sent to the Defense Committee.

The second bill passed its preliminary reading 20-0 and was sent to the Defense Committee.

Amendment to the Parties Bill

MK Levin (Likud) thanked his co-sponsors MK Plesner (Kadima) and MK Cabel (Labor) for making this a multi-party issue. He said that primaries are a complicated process and the voting list of each party is constantly changing. He noted since the last elections there are new voters, some voters have died, and other have changed their addresses. He explained the amendment would require the population registry to transfer the information they provide before the national elections on other dates for the purpose of conducting primary elections. He said that since this information is already being transferred there is no reason not to update it more frequently in order to help the primary process.

Justice Minister Neeman expressed government support for the bill.

MK Sheetrit (Kadima) said he agrees with the purpose of the bill but disagrees with its methodology because it doesn’t fix the primary process.

MK Levin agreed there are a lot of problems with the current primary system but stressed this is a step in the right direction and asked the Knesset to approve it.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 37-2 with one MK abstaining and was sent to the House Committee.

Amendment to the Reserve Service Bill

MK Cabel (Labor) said those who think we can draft all of the ultra-orthodox with the end of the Tal Law without finding a place to put them is wrong. He said that when it comes to the reserve, the numbers drop significantly. He said that is the real place where the burden of service is not equal. He said people who leave their families for reserve duty must be compensated. He explained his amendment would grant an additional payment to soldiers who exceed the maximum number of reserve days a year. He expressed hope this would change the army’s priorities and they will start respecting the maximum number of reserve days a year or pay up significantly.

Culture and Sport Minister Livnat (Likud) expressed government support for the bill. She noted this bill will cost the defense establishment dozens of millions of shekels.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 31-0 and was sent to the Defense Committee.

Amendment to the National Health Insurance Bill

MK Agbaria (Hadash) explained his amendment would maintain citizens’ health insurance coverage while they are outside of Israel. He said many young citizens go overseas for years to university and lose out on their Israeli health care.

Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that someone who is out of Israel for six months straight shouldn’t receive Israeli coverage overseas. He added that it used to be a two-year requirement; he lowered it to six months, and his ministry has saved a lot of money. He went on discuss his solution to the doctor crisis which is allowing foreign trained doctors from OECD countries to transfer their medical license to Israel.

MK Agbaria said a person who pays for Israeli health care should receive Israeli health care.

The bill was defeated 17-34.

Running Public Transportation on Weekly Day of Rest Bill

MK Horowitz (Meretz) said that Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) drives on the Sabbath but prevents others from using public transportation. He said that Katz can allow public transportation but chooses not to. He said many people want to use public transportation but the so called status quo harms them. He said that forcing people to work on Sabbath doesn’t harm the workers and he stresses that as a proud socialist. He said pollution, heavy traffic and traffic accidents are always the worst on the Sabbath and that is why his bill that would force the running of public transportation on the Sabbath is so necessary. He said the government is grounding the public to their homes. He said just like former Prime Minister Begin was once in the minority and became the majority, he will be as well. He said just like the Tal Law was overturned, one day the status quo will be overturned and civil marriage would be passed. He said this is a free country and the time will come where the people revolt against the ultra-orthodox’s standing in government.

Deputy Health Minister Litzman expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds of keeping the status quo balance of religious and non-religious citizens. He said it is important to take into account the feelings of religious people who are bothered by transportation in their neighborhoods on the Sabbath. He reminded Horowitz that Meretz complains about the status quo when they are in the opposition but are silent when they are in the coalition. He concluded that buses in Haifa on the Sabbath have an average of four passengers per bus.

MK Horowitz said that religion works when it isn’t forced. He said people fast on Yom Kippur and perform a brit milah because they aren’t forced to. He said that when Meretz is in the government their message is heard and they brought peace and human rights to Israel.

The bill was defeated 10-35.

Amendment to the Parties Bill

MK Levin explained his amendment would fix a loophole in Israeli law so that people who enter the political realm will have the duty of registering their party. He said it is unacceptable that people can start a political campaign without the transparency and supervision required of existing political parties. He said people can throw millions at a candidate and the public would have no idea who it is from. He thanked his co-sponsors, MK Schneller (Kadima) and MK Ben Simon (Labor), for making this a multi-party issue. He said this bill isn’t meant for Yair Lapid, it is meant for everybody.

MK Khenin objected to the bill and said everybody should be allowed to run for public office. He said that he doesn’t like Yair Lapid, but he must be allowed to run for Knesset. He blasted the bill and called it delusional.

MK Levin said he was surprised that Khenin supports someone who is receiving funds from unknown people without supervision or transparency. He asked Khenin if it is okay that Lapid is using loopholes and should we not close them. He called on the Knesset to approve the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 33-18 and was sent to the House Committee.

Amendment to the Gas Tax Bill

MK Yoel Hasson slammed Prime Minister Netanyahu for entering the plenum to support Levin’s bill. He blasted Netanyahu for sending Levin to do his bidding, slammed him for raising the gas tax every year starting in 2009, and attacked him for running away from the plenum. He said in 2008 Kadima had a 38% tax on gas and in 2009 Netanyahu raised it to 56%. He said a gas tax of 56% is ridiculous. He called on the government to listen to the cries of the people and lower the tax and the gas price. He explained his amendment would lower taxation on gas to 30%. He went on to blast the tax on the tax. He concluded no one wants to pay 8 shekels a liter.

Minister Begin said Israel isn’t the only country that has high gas prices and isn’t the only country to have a tax on a tax. He suggested MK Hasson calm down and not work himself up. He expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that the gas taxes are on par with many other countries. He said this bill would cost 1.4 billion shekels a year and the country can’t afford that. He reminded Hasson that Israel has the lowest unemployment level in 32 years and Israel’s economy is doing just fine.

MK Bar-On (Kadima) decided to give a history lesson. He said the high gas taxes were a response to the second intifada and were raised again in response to the global economic crisis of 2008. He said the current tax levels are higher than they should be and there is no reason for them to be at that level since the economy is doing well nationally and internationally. He called the current level a daytime robbery and said he is looking forward to the roll call voting.

The bill was defeated 25-36.

MK Shama (Likud) responded that Hasson and Bar-On wrongly accused him of ruining Israel’s economy. Deputy Speaker Vaknin (Shas) called Bar-On to order and told him that he can’t keep acting like a bully. He said that this bill is irresponsible and wouldn’t pass in any parliament around the world.

MK Bar-On said that Shama and Vaknin didn’t follow proper Knesset protocol.

Amendment to the Traffic Ordinance Bill

MK Whbee (Kadima) explained his amendment would limit large commercial vehicles from passing cars in three lane highways. He said there are 359,000 trucks on the road and 4,228 of them have been involved in traffic accidents. He slammed the government for rarely sending the relevant minister to answer the questions he raises on the proposed bills.

Deputy Health Minister Litzman said he agrees with Whbee that the relevant minister should present the government’s answer to each bill. He expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that preventing trucks from passing cars is excessive. He went on to discuss the weekly Torah portion of Tetzaveh and why Moses is not found in it.

The bill was defeated 15-26.

Amendment to the Basic Law: The Knesset

MK Sheetrit explained his amendment would raise the threshold for a party to enter the Knesset to 5%, which is a level that is accepted in many parliaments around the world. He said small parties are problematic and must be abolished. He recalled when he brought up this bill in 1999 it fell by two votes because Labor supported the Arab parties in a corrupt bargain that later brought down the Likud government. He recalled Rivlin and Eitan supported the bill in 1999. He said a fellow Kadima MK suggested this law might wipe Kadima off the map and Sheetrit responded it is better Kadima ceases to exist if they can’t receive 5%. He said this bill will force the Arab parties to merge into one and the other small parties will merge with larger ones. He recalled when the two largest parties had 95 seats in the early 80s he still couldn’t pass this bill because of the small parties’ games. He said the time has come to put an end to the small parties.

Bureaucracy Minister Eitan (Likud) said there is an interest in allowing people’s voices to matter and to allow a minority the chance to be a part of the game. He agreed on the other hand that finding a balance so the larger parties can govern is difficult. He said under Sheetrit’s bill hundreds of thousands of votes would disappear and the larger parties would gain from those votes. He added that parties would be able to bypass this bill by joining up before elections and splitting after. He expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that coalition parties oppose the bill.

The bill was defeated 13-40.

Amendment to the Value Added Tax Bill

Minister Begin explained the government opposes MK Sheetrit’s bill proposed at an earlier date that would eliminate the VAT on the gas tax. He gave no reason.

MK Sheetrit responded that a tax on a tax is unacceptable and should be abolished. He said there is a VAT on 50% of the gas price, which is the actual gas price, and there is a VAT on the other 50%, which is a gas tax. He said a tax on a tax is something that hurts the middle and lower sectors of society. He said the government can just transfer the VAT’s worth to the gas tax and at least there won’t be a tax on a tax. He reminded the MKs that Coalition Chairman Elkin (Likud) was his co-sponsor.

The bill was defeated 18-29.

Amendment to the Courts Bill

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) explained his amendment would classify those who didn’t serve in the military, national or civilian service as unfit to serve as a judge in the Supreme Court. He agreed that this would discriminate against Arabs and ultra-orthodox Jews who didn’t serve in one of those three places but asked how can these people decide on these key subjects if they never served. He slammed the Supreme Court Justice who refused to sing the national anthem and called for his resignation. He read out national anthems that are controversial yet Jews that live in those countries still sing those national anthems. He noted Native Americans sing the American national anthem despite the fact they were massacred by the white man. He stated someone who didn’t serve the country and feel the burden can’t decide for everyone else. He asked Foreign Minister Liberman and his Yisrael Beitenu party how they can vote against his bill when their campaign slogan was “No Loyalty – No Citizenship”.

Bureaucracy Minister Eitan expressed government opposition to the bill. He said that he agrees there should be certain qualifications to serve as a Supreme Court justice but disagrees that carrying the burden of serving their country is one of them. He said this penalizes and excludes entire population groups from serving on the Supreme Court.

MK Ben Ari responded that Arabs and ultra-orthodox are allowed to serve in civilian service and if they do they can serve on the Supreme Court. He said it is unacceptable that non-Zionist justices can decide what happens in key cases in the Zionistic state. He told Kadima this is a bill they would have proposed themselves and they should support it.

The bill was defeated 4-29.

Amendment to the Consumer Protection Bill

MK Shama (Likud) explained his amendment would require the disclosure of additional compensation companies receive as a result of a business transaction. He said if someone is recommending a product and he gets a piece of it, they will now need to disclose that to the consumer.

Deputy Speaker Akunis (Likud) called for a vote because a minister was not present to present the government’s position on the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 8-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s February 29, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/01292112.doc

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 53: Knesset’s Animal Rights Day Advances Four Bills

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — Leave a comment

The Knesset’s Tuesday session lasted about two and a half hours. Six bills were discussed. Two bills became law after passing their third readings, and four bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings. The four bills advanced all concern animal rights issues, marking the Knesset’s celebration of Animal Rights Day.

 

Non-Bills Summary

* 13 MKs spoke during the one minute speech segment that opened the day. Most of the speeches were on the topic of Animal Rights Day.

* Six MKs and Agriculture Minister Noked (Independence) discussed a motion on Animal Rights Day. It was sent for further discussion in committee by an 8-0 vote.

Bills Summary

 

Amendment to the Protecting Animals Bill

MK Cabel (Labor) said he is proud to be the leader of the animal rights lobby in the Knesset. He revealed this is the most pro-animal Knesset in Israel’s history, where members of all parties support animal rights. He said this amendment will regulate the neutering of animals and reduce the number of animals killed in shelters by increasing government supervision of these areas. He said that the government inspectors will be allowed to enter private property in order to enforce these new regulations.

Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) expressed government support for the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 9-0 and was sent to the Culture Committee.

Amendment to the Protecting Animals Bill

MK Khenin (Hadash) said a society is judged based on how they treat their animals. He explained his amendment would regulate animal-related occupations. He said animals that are meant for eating are treated very poorly. He said there are problems of hurting animals because of financial interest and problems that come from an immoral place. He went back to his bill and said the new regulations will force people who work with animals to hold and transfer animals in a humanitarian way. He said regulations would also be updated on the method in which animals are killed, training animals and animals used in festivals and sporting events.

Agriculture Minister Noked (Independence) expressed government support for the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 12-0 and was sent to the Culture Committee.

Amendment to the Protecting Animals Bill

MK Zeev (Shas) explained his amendment would require the government to provide education for its employees on the prevention of hurting animals. He slammed Education Minister Sa’ar (Likud) for asking him to take out the provision that would have required the schools to teach the subject as well. He said protecting animals is a commandment from God found in the Torah and everyone must follow it. He read out several Jewish sources that consider cruelty to animals a sin.

Agriculture Minister Noked expressed government support for the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 9-0 and was sent to the Culture Committee.

Amendment to the Rabies Ordinance Bill

MK Wilf (Independence) explained her amendment would ease the regulations on isolation of animals suspected of rabies. She said additionally the killing of these animals will be reduced dramatically and the animals will be allowed to be set free in most cases.

Agriculture Minister Noked expressed government support for the bill.

MK Eldad (N.U.) objected to the bill on the grounds that it hurts the balance between protecting people from animals and animals from people. He said that every person who ever got rabies died and there is a reason the government regulations are so tough on animals suspected of rabies. He recalled a soldier that died of rabies under his watch as the general of the army’s medical corps. He said the government is irresponsible for supporting this terrible bill. MK Zeev said these dogs must be killed. Eldad said there are many new loopholes that are created in this bill that hasn’t been changed since the British mandate and they can cause an outbreak of rabies by irresponsible animal owners.

MK Wilf said that the bill hasn’t been changed in over 60 years and medicine has advanced since then. She stated the time has come to update it and this bill creates a perfect balance and doesn’t put humans in danger.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 7-2 and was sent to the House Committee to decide which committee will discuss the bill.

Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill

MK Shemtov (Y.B.) explained the amendment would allow university student interns to turn their internship into tax deduction points in certain cases. She thanked the Knesset for approving her bill and everyone who helped her advance it.

The bill passed its second reading 6-0.

The bill passed its third reading 7-0.

Amendment to the Motor Vehicle Insurance Ordinance Bill

Finance Committee Chairman Shama (Likud) explained the amendment would lower the two-wheel car insurance rates. He said the minimum monthly payment of NIS 6,500 was impossible. He stated this bill was advanced despite a fierce battle between the finance ministry and his committee. He said the minimum payment will go down to a monthly payment of NIS 4,000. He expressed regret he couldn’t lower it more but said he is happy he was able to lower it all. He noted the bill will take effect on May 1. He thanked his assistants for helping him pass this bill and the MKs who stayed to approve his bill.

The bill passed its second reading 6-0.

The bill passed its third reading 6-0.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s February 28, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/01260112.doc

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 52: 12 Bills Passed as Spring Break Draws Closer

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — 5 Comments
March 7, 2012

The Knesset’s Monday session lasted about five hours. 12 bills were discussed. Seven bills became law after passing their third readings, and five bills were advanced after passing their first readings. The new laws and advanced bills cover a wide range of topics. The last few heavy Mondays filled with many bills is an indication that the spring recess is just weeks away. The weekly no-confidence motions were defeated, as usual.

 

Non-Bills Summary

* Kadima’s no-confidence motion titled ‘The Netanyahu government’s intention to circumvent the Supreme Court decision regarding the Tal Law and prepare the continued evasion’ was defeated 25-46 with 3 MKs abstaining and 46 MKs not present.

* Labor and Meretz’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘The Netanyahu government’s surrender to religious coercion in transport, the hypocritical and false status quo, and abandoning the public by the Orthodox monopoly in marriage, conversion and religious services’ was defeated 27-47 with 46 MKs not present.

* Hadash, Ra’am-Ta’al and Balad’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘The government impairs democracy and promotes regional war rather than social justice, housing and contract workers’ rights’ was defeated 13-49 with 2 MKs abstaining and 56 MKs not present.

* Justice, Law and Constitution Committee Chairman Rotem (Y.B.) announced his committee’s request to correct a technical issue within an existing bill. It was approved 13-0 with one MK abstaining.

Bills Summary

 

Amendment to the Repo Bill

Justice, Law and Constitution Committee Chairman Rotem (Y.B.) explained the amendment would allow a repo man who resigns or retires to finish the cases they worked on for three months after they leave their job. He noted that other repo men will be able to take over cases at whatever point they were left without needing to start the case from the beginning.

The bill passed its second reading 14-0.

The bill passed its third reading 19-0.

Amendment to the Public Service Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz (Likud) explained the amendment would add more restrictions for security personnel after their retirement, including a prohibition from getting re-hired as an outside consultant at their old jobs. He added the measure also increases the punishment for insider whistleblowers within the security establishment that give tell-all interviews after they retire. He said that an outside committee with security clearance personnel will deal with special cases. He stated the bill will be implemented gradually in the next 4-12 months.

The bill passed its second reading 13-0.

The bill passed its third reading 12-0.

 

Changing the Update of the Pensions System Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz explained the bill would change the pension system of the electric company workers. He added that the bill allows an opening to use this arrangement with other public companies. He said the complicated bill will be supervised by his committee.

The bill passed its second reading 13-0.

The bill passed its third reading 11-0.

Amendment to the Prison Ordinance Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Cohen (Shas) explained the amendment would exempt prisoners who were sentenced to less than four years from appearing before a probation committee and will automatically grant them probation unless a judge decides otherwise. He noted prisoners who are sentenced to more than four years would still be required to receive the permission from the parole committee.

The bill passed its second reading 12-0.

The bill passed its third reading 11-0.

Amendment to the Sport Driving Bill

Culture and Sport Minister Livnat (Likud) explained the amendment would transfer the authority of authorized car racing to her ministry. She stated that the authority was split among many ministers and that has hurt the industry. She congratulated the industry in organizing Israel’s first two legal car races over the last two months.

MK Eichler (U.T.J.) said he supports the bill. He went on to talk about the sport of hating the ultra-orthodox. He blasted the press and the academic op-ed writers who call ultra-orthodox Jews dirty names. He slammed MK Gal-On (Meretz) for calling the Migron residents land-robbers. He blasted the leftists for inciting against the religious and ultra-orthodox. He quoted various journalists and said he would continue his speech on the next bill.

MK Zeev (Shas) bragged about his daily exercise routine. He asked why decisions on spare car parts and exporting should be transferred to Livnat’s ministry. Livnat responded that Transportation Minister Katz and Industry and Trade Minister Simhon are okay with the bill and Zeev should stop worrying so much.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) condemned the attacks on off-duty soldiers in Haifa. He slammed the media for pretending it wasn’t a crime with nationalistic motives. He went on to slam the government for downplaying nationalistic crimes against Jewish cemeteries. He slammed a particular case where 42 graves were destroyed up north, only three of the eight Arabs responsible were tried, and all they received was community service. He called on the government and press to stop covering up Arab nationalistic crimes against the Jews.

The bill passed its first reading 13-0 and was sent to the Sport Committee.

Amendment to the Prohibition on Financing Terrorism Bill

Minister Nahari (Shas) explained his amendment would define what the declaration of a member of a foreign entity as a terrorist organization means and what punishment a foreign perpetrator of terror should receive under Israeli law. He noted that a more comprehensive updated version is being worked on and this bill is meant to be the first step in changing the current rules and regulations on the subject.

MK Eichler said that the story of Queen Esther and Purim teaches us that religious people respect women and it is the secular people who don’t respect women. Minister Livnat got offended and entered into an argument with Eichler during which she misheard him and thought he said that she looked like a man. He said today the leader of Persia wants to destroy us just like Haman did during Esther’s time. He told the secular MKs that only God will save them, just like then, and no airplane or missile will make a difference.

Minister Livnat said that she refuses to take off her clothes to prove she is a woman. She said that respecting a woman means allowing her to have a career. She stated it was Queen Esther who saved the Jewish people. She slammed Eichler for his opinion of women.

MK Zeev defended Eichler then went on to discuss the bill. He slammed MK Tibi (R.T.) and his Arab MK entourage at the Jerusalem bashing conference in Qatar. He suggested they should be included within the bill. He said giving the Arabs control over the Temple Mount was a mistake and must be corrected now. He slammed the Arabs for damaging 50,000 of the 70,000 graves on the Mount of Olives.

MK Ben Ari suggested instead of looking for foreign terrorists, one can just look at the Arabs MKs who visit Gaddafi, Qatar and Abu Mazen. He slammed MK Tibi for his many controversial quotes. He said Israel has become a suicidal democracy.

The bill passed its first reading 11-0 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Amendment to the Compensation for Victims of Polio Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz explained the amendment would grant polio patients who got sick outside of Israel the same compensation package as those who got sick within Israel. He said that immigrants shouldn’t be discriminated against and that this is an important bill. He did note that both natives and immigrants who got sick with Polio before 1948 have no rights under the bill. He thanked the dozens of polio patients in the gallery who came to witness the passing of the bill that will grant them their rights.

The bill passed its second reading 16-0.

Chairman Katz asked to pull the bill after its second reading and bring it to another committee discussion before its third reading. Deputy Speaker Molla (Kadima) looked at Katz, realized he was being sarcastic and called for the next vote.

The bill passed its third reading 16-0.

MK Pinyan (Likud) thanked the Knesset for approving his bill. He pointed out that the immigrant polio patients will get a one-time grant of NIS 120,000 and a monthly payment of NIS 2,500. He slammed the Channel 2 report that said he will personally benefit from the bill and receive a million shekels. He said he would only make that much money collectively if he lived to the age of 90 and suggested they try suffering from polio. He noted the Ethics Committee allowed him to pass a bill that would apply to himself. He thanked a whole list of people for helping him push through this bill into law.

MK Azoulay (Shas) praised his co-sponsor and told everyone that Pinyan is an honest man and this is a good bill. He thanked the Knesset for approving it.

MK Eichler slammed Minister Livnat and told her that both his own mother and grandmother worked. He told Livnat not to lecture him. He said it is the western society that puts women down, not Judaism.

Amendment to the Terms of Release from Imprisonment Bill

Minister Nahari explained the amendment would change the composition of special parole for inmates that have been sentenced by military courts to the same composition that is used in non-military courts.

MK Eichler said that besides the Arab MKs’ terrorism, there is also a terrorism of the media. He said as a former journalist of over 30 years he knows that certain journalists carry out acts of media terrorism against selected targets. He said the time has come to put an end to all types of terrorism.

The bill passed its first reading 6-0 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Amendment to the Anti-Drug Authority Bill

Minister Nahari explained the amendment would expand the authority’s role in alcohol abuse cases.

MK Zeev said as a former chairman of the authority he is pleased to see this bill. He slammed those who drink and drive and told teenaged minors to stay away from the bars and pubs. He said this is an important bill and must be heavily funded.

The bill passed its first reading 6-0 and was sent to the Interior Committee.

Amendment to the Party Funding Bill

House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) explained that the amendment would make political party paperwork easier. He said that the State Comptroller, Party Registry and House Speaker would receive the same document on the same day. He stated the previous situation where the parties needed to file three different reports and hand them in on different dates was ridiculous. He added the bill also changes the rules for factions that are made up of more than one party. He noted that all of the parties have agreed to this bill and there are no objections.

The bill passed its second reading 8-0.

The bill passed its third reading 8-0.

Amendment to the Entry into Israel Bill

MK Pinyan (Likud) explained the amendment would allow any Jew who can immigrate according to the Entry into Israel Bill to be able to have one stamp from the Interior Ministry that will allow them to stay in Israel for up to five years. He said this bill will help Jews stay in Israel with less bureaucracy.

The bill passed its second reading 5-0.

The bill passed its third reading 6-0.

MK Michaeli (Shas) said this will help limit bureaucracy for Jewish tourists and one-year students. He thanked the Interior Committee for pushing this bill through quickly. He said that this bill will help encourage aliyah by being nice to Jews. He said that requiring Jews to wait in line every two months is terrible and now impossible.

Amendment to the Traffic Ordinance Bill

MK Maklev (U.T.J.) explained the amendment would require installing mandatory safety sensors in the back of every car. He said the importers would be the ones required to install them and include it as part of the price. He said this bill will save lives. He pointed out from 2006 to 2010 47 children were killed by a car backing up on them. He noted that over half of child deaths on the roads each year are due to the lack of safety sensors. He added the sensors are cheap and will be built in and tax free. He concluded the requirement will only be on new cars and not existing cars.

The bill passed its first reading 4-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s February 27, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/01230612.doc

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 51: Pre-1931 Female Allowances, Anorexia and Settlements

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — 1 Comment
March 5, 2012

The Knesset’s Wednesday session lasted about seven and a half hours. Eight bills were discussed. Three bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings, one was turned into a motion, one was withdrawn in order to prevent defeat, and three were defeated. The bills advanced would grant women born before 1931 who receive an old age pension an additional allowance, change the perception of anorexia under law so that it is treated as a mental illness, and allow tax deductions to encourage settlements. Among the bills defeated were two that deal with the ultra-orthodox and Arabs serving in some sort of civilian service. A particularly interesting day caused a spike in attendance.

 

Non-Bills Summary

* Deputy Prime Minister Ya’alon (Likud), Deputy Education Minister Moses (U.T.J.) and Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitch (Y.B.) answered queries to open the session.

* Ten motions were discussed on a wide range of topics. Nine of the motions were sent to committee for further discussion by the votes 8-0, 8-0, 5-0, 10-0, 5-2, 5-0, 6-0, 5-0 and 7-0. One motion was not voted on.

* Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitch answered 12 queries at the end of the session.

Bills Summary

 

Amendment to the Social Security Bill

MK Gafni (U.T.J.) explained his amendment would grant eligibility for an allowance in addition to an old age pension that housewives and widows born before 1931 receive. He said that a 1996 amendment prevents women who were born before 1931 from receiving the allowance for budget reasons. He revealed that he learned about this technicality when he was confronted by a woman on a radio program and pledged to fix the situation. He confessed the bill will cost between NIS 25-30 million a year but stressed that the cost will decrease every year. He said the current situation is unequal and must be rectified as soon as possible. He praised the media for bringing this subject to his attention. He went on to slam the Supreme Court for repeatedly discriminating against the ultra-orthodox Jews in court cases. He said there is no justice, integrity or equality in the Supreme Court.

Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon (Likud) expressed government support for the bill. He said these women who are over the age of 80 and are eligible for the program number 6,200 and will cost the government NIS 34 million a year. He said that his ministry is pouring NIS 28 million into the program.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 28-0 and was sent to the Funds Committee.

Amendment to the Treatment of Mental Patients Bill

MK Adatto (Kadima) explained her amendment would force involuntary hospitalization for those with mental disorders, including anorexia. She went on to speak about the dangers of anorexia and noted there are more young women who die from anorexia than traffic accidents or cancer. She said last year in the Tel Hashomer hospital alone 22 girls checked themselves out of the hospital against their doctors’ wishes and died. She said her amendment would treat anorexia as a mental disorder and prevent their discharge in cases where the doctors want to keep the patient hospitalized. She said this bill will save lives.

Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.) expressed government support for the bill, although he thinks this bill isn’t necessary.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 40-0 and was sent to the Health Committee.

Amendment to the Students’ Rights Bill

MK Khenin (Hadash) explained his amendment would bring equality and transparency to the admission process for educational institutions. He said that there is widespread discrimination of minority groups and charged they are not accepted to certain schools because of racist motives. He said his bill would also allow a parent to appeal a decision by a school if they feel they were discriminated against. He said an educational institution that breaks his law would be subject to a NIS 50,000 fine. He said he would pull his bill from a vote in order to convince the government to support it.

Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill

MK Elkin (Likud) explained his amendment would allow non-profit organizations to recognize funds used to encourage settlement in the Negev and the Galil as a tax deduction. He said that the country has stopped encouraging settlement and it is time the non-profits received recognition for picking up the slack.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) expressed government support for the bill.

MK Shai (Kadima) announced he opposed the bill on the grounds that Judea and Samaria are included in the bill. He said that Kadima is against the bill. MK Schneller (Kadima) countered that Kadima supports the bill. The two of them argued until Speaker Rivlin silenced the dispute.

MK Gal-On (Meretz) announced that she and Meretz are against the bill. She said this bill is meant to help Judea and Samaria and her party can’t support it. She said that two thirds of the NGOs are ultra-orthodox and the right think they are hurting the left. Deputy Ministers Litzman and Moses got into an argument with Gal-On, and Speaker Rivlin threw Moses out. Gal-On slammed the government and the bill and told everyone to oppose the bill.

MK Elkin responded that he is proud that his name is one that makes them think of Judea and Samaria. He rejected the claims that is a Judea and Samaria bill and stressed it is a Negev and Galil bill. He said that instead of helping the leftist voters they are blinded by their hatred for Judea and Samaria. He told them they should be embarrassed that they are leftist and voting against the Negev and Galil.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 49-20 and was sent to the Funds Committee.

Amendment to the Social Workers Bill/Motion

MK Solodkin (Kadima) complained that social workers constantly remove children from their parents too quickly and before they really check the situation out. She said problematic social workers must be punished. She said that a social worker’s testimony always carries the most weight in child custody cases. She noted that many times the court sends the children back to their parents, but the scars the children encounter are great. She explained her bill would punish social workers who are found guilty of perjury with a fine of NIS 25,000 and a jail sentence of 7-9 years. She slammed the government for not supporting her bill but agreed to turn the bill into a motion to enable a committee discussion on the subject.

Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon thanked Solodkin for agreeing to turn the bill into a motion.

The motion passed 25-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

Amendment to the Government Bill

MK Whbee (Kadima) explained his amendment would allow MK participation in the Ministerial Committee on Legislation when an MK’s bill is being discussed. He slammed the government for having 40 ministers and deputy ministers. He blasted the government for opposing another common sense bill. He stressed it is important that the MK sponsoring the legislation be there to explain his bill to the ministers who need to make a decision on it. He said a lot of misunderstandings would be avoided if the MK were there in the room. He thanked his co-sponsor MK Levin (Likud) for trying to convince the government to think otherwise. He said allowing the MK to explain his bill is elementary. He said this bill will help the coalition and the opposition. He noted that his bill doesn’t ask that the MK attend the voting or ask for a protocol of what was said after the MK left the room. He slammed Justice Minister Neeman, who is the chairman of the ministerial committee, for not showing up to explain his views.

Deputy Prime Minister Ya’alon (Likud) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that the executive branch of government doesn’t need to include the legislative branch in its decisions. He said that as it is the committee meetings are too long and this would only make them longer.

MK Whbee responded that allowing an MK three times a year to explain a bill that is important to them will not make the sessions longer. He said the government’s decision to oppose this bill is yet another reason why this is a bad government that must be replaced.

The bill was defeated 21-35 with one MK abstaining.

Civil Service Bill

Opposition Leader Livni explained MK Yoel Hasson’s bill would require every Israeli citizen to serve in the army or serve their country in some sort of civil service. She said it is not fair that some sectors of Israelis serve and sacrifice while others do not. She said there is no equality in Israel and blamed the ultra-orthodox leaders for keeping their sector out of the army. She said it is not fair that the ultra-orthodox take advantage of the entire country. She said this bill will create a real unity. She told the ultra-orthodox that she will force them to serve their country. She said this deserting of the army is ripping the country apart and called on the rabbis to support her bill. She said Israel can no longer pray for a miracle to save us from our enemies; it needs soldiers. She said all citizens must serve and work, and that is the only just way. She said that there will be no more free meals.

Science and Technology Minister Hershkowitz (J.H.) reminded Opposition Leader Livni that is was the Kadima government that extended the Tal Law for five years in 2007 and she voted for it. He expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that a similar bill written by the government will be brought up for a vote in a few weeks. He said the government bill is a better version of MK Hasson’s bill and the government doesn’t see a reason to support this version. He said that there are many Arabs and ultra-orthodox Jews who serve in civil service and their numbers are growing every year. He went on to say this bill isn’t the Tal Law or a replacement for it. He confessed that he believes that every citizen must serve the country but disagreed that this bill was the way to accomplish it. He gave a story of his grandfather who was turned away from army service decades ago because he was ultra-orthodox. He went on to say that he feels that it is mandatory to serve in the army as a Jew, but real solutions need to be proposed, not problematic bills full of holes. He said any change must be gradual and done smartly. He said the Supreme Court wants to expedite the move. He said that even he feels that the 1,800 ultra-orthodox Jews in civil service isn’t high enough but that it is better than nothing. He said these are heavy issues, and politics must be taken out of the equation. He stated the government is working on an alternative to the Tal Law based on views from all coalition partners.

MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) said that Livni spoke on his behalf and on behalf of all of Kadima. He attacked MK Gafni and told him that he has no clue what the ultra-orthodox youth want. Hasson said that he isn’t anti-ultra-orthodox but he is anti watching them not serve in the army and not enter the work force. He asked why ultra-orthodox Jews in New York learn and work but in Bnei Brak they only learn. He said that he supports allowing a minority to learn in Yeshiva, just like a minority is allowed to be exempted to pursue athletic and sport achievements. He said that he believes in cooperation, but sometimes the ultra-orthodox only understand power and strength. He said that Yisrael Beitenu should support the bill during the roll call.

The bill was defeated 27-55.

Amendment to the Security Service Bill

MK Shai (Kadima) explained his amendment would force the performance of civil service or national service for those who don’t serve regular service. He read passages from the Torah which call on Jews to serve in the army. He called on the ultra-orthodox to respect those passages and serve the country. He said that the burden of service should apply to everybody. He praised the Supreme Court decision to let the Tal Law expire on August 1, 2012. He called on the Knesset to approve his bill and stop the ultra-orthodox who he said are using the country like an ATM machine. He charged that the ultra-orthodox take from the country but never give back. He said those who want to receive must learn to give. He said Jewish history is full of religious Jews who gave their lives in wars to preserve the Jewish country of Israel. He said his bill would apply to all citizens, Jews and Arabs, and the army would choose who they want for the military and who would go to national or civil service. He said in a few decades only 40% of youth will serve in the army. He called those who will go to the army at that point suckers compared to those who won’t. He said that changing the demographics in the country is impossible but something must be done to create equality. He closed with a poem by Bialik.

Minister Begin (Likud) thanked MK Shai for a beautiful speech and agreed that this is an important issue. He said the government is considering alternatives to the Tal Law following the Supreme Court decision not to allow its extension. He said the country does not have the ability to force service on such a large sector of the population and any solution must be consensual. He said that today the army isn’t equipped to draft the great numbers of ultra-orthodox Jews from any perspective. He said alternatives will be discussed and the government will find a way to encourage the ultra-orthodox and Arabs to serve in civil service. He called on the Knesset to oppose the bill. He called on public leaders to be careful of what they say in public. He said that he is not convinced that every sector in society should be treated the same, and time will tell how this issue is resolved.

The bill was defeated 23-40.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s February 22, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/01160712.doc

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 50: Tenders and Motorcycles

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — Leave a comment
March 1, 2012

The Knesset’s Tuesday session lasted about three and a half hours. Two bills were discussed and advanced after passing their first readings. The bills would prohibit age discrimination in public tenders and lower insurance prices for motorcycles. Three motions were also discussed.

 

Non-Bills Summary

* 18 MKs spoke during the one minute speech segment that opened the day.

* Three motions were discussed. One motion was sent to committee by a 4-0 vote. The other two were not voted on.

* Homefront Security Minister Vilnai (Independence) and Deputy Education Minister Moses (U.T.J.) answered queries towards the end of the session.

 

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Mandatory Tenders Bill

MK Bielski (Kadima) explained his amendment would prohibit age discrimination when deciding whether to take someone for a tender. He said it is wrong to discriminate against older people and commented they are usually better for the job because they have more experience. He said older people are also less distracted than younger people because they have more free time to invest in their jobs. He noted that every time he has brought up a bill when Deputy Speaker Levi-Abekasis (Y.B.) was sitting in the Speaker’s chair, it has passed. He said that he is very proud that his bills don’t cost money.

The bill passed its first reading 7-0 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Homefront Security Minister Vilnai (Independence) complained that he pressed the button to vote and it didn’t work. Deputy Speaker Levi-Abekasis reminded Vilnai that he had resigned from the Knesset two days ago and can no longer vote in the Knesset.

Amendment to the Motor Vehicle Insurance Ordinance Bill

Finance Committee Chairman Shama (Likud) explained the amendment would change the loading component of insurance rates so that rates for motorcycles and other two-wheel vehicles are lowered considerably. He said that in 2009 the insurance companies raised their rates so that motorcycles would pay four times the amount of regular cars and this bill will repeal that move. He said motorcycles are great and more people should drive them. He blasted the finance ministry for playing games with the percentages and misleading him in the fine print.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) said Tel Aviv, Ashdod and Ashkelon are flooded with illegal immigrants. He condemned the attack on a 15-year-old girl by an illegal immigrant from Eritrea. He said that we need to worry about our own and not others. He condemned another attack in the Tel Aviv central bus station by a Sudanese who wishes to return home. He said motorcycles are dangerous and no one should ride on them.

The bill passed its first reading 9-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s February 21, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/01123512.doc

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