Category: Daily Updates


Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 39: Orphans, Coaches, Earthquakes, Kfar Shalem and Large Company Supervision

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February 12, 2012

The Knesset’s Wednesday session lasted about eleven hours. Sixteen bills were discussed. Eight bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings, four were defeated, two were turned into motions and two were not voted on in order to avoid defeat. The bills advanced give welfare payments to orphans of veterans, regulate professional sports coaches, allow the strengthening of buildings for earthquakes, solve the Kfar Shalem housing issues, and enact supervision on government money in large companies. Eleven motions were also discussed. The monthly 40 MK session was quieter than in months past. The Knesset’s newest MK Avi Duan took the oath of office.

Non-Bills Summary

* Homefront Defense Minister Vilnai (Independence), Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitch (Y.B.) and Environment Minister Erdan (Likud) answered urgent queries at the beginning of the session.

* The newest Member of Knesset, Avraham Duan, took the oath of office, replacing Eli Aflalo, who chose to retire from the Knesset in order to accept a position in the  Keren Kayemet L’Yisrael. Duan confessed he didn’t sleep the night before and this is a dream come true for him. He said being an MK is a promotion from his job as a social worker and Aflalo took his breath away when he decided to step down.

* A 40 MK signature request for a discussion on the ‘Netanyahu government’s failure in the political, economic and social sectors ‘ was discussed by Prime Minister Netanyahu, Opposition Leader Livni and 15 MKs. Netanyahu’s speech was approved 31-22.

* Eleven motions were discussed on a wide range of topics, and all of them were sent to various Knesset committees for further discussion by the votes 32-14, 30-26, 11-0, 6-0, 4-0, 4-0, 5-0, 3-0, 4-0, 4-0 and 2-0.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Pension Payment to Reserve Soldiers’ Families Bill

MK Haim Katz (Likud) explained his amendment would require the country to transfer payments to the children of a reservist who has died if the spouse is deceased. He announced a bill passed in December gave a welfare payment to spouses of fallen soldiers but orphans of fallen soldiers didn’t receive a payment, which led to him submitting this bill.

Homefront Security Minister Vilnai (Independence) expressed government support for the bill and said the 224 orphans deserve the welfare payment that their other parent would have received.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 25-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

Amendment to the Sports Bill

MK Miller (Y.B.) condemned MK Ben Simon for his racist statements against the Russian immigrant population the previous day. He explained his amendment would regulate professional sports coaches so that they meet European standards.

Culture and Sport Minister Livnat (Likud) also condemned MK Ben Simon for his racist statements and condemned the timing of his statements, which came on the heels of the racism towards Ethiopians in Kiryat Melachi. She said she was surprised that Ben Simon, an immigrant from France and a former journalist, could say such things and called on him to apologize. She went on to express government support for the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 26-0 and was sent to the Sport Committee.

MK Ben Simon (Labor) was allowed to respond to the charges. MK Miller, MK Ilatov (Y.B.), MK Matalon (Y.B.), MK Kirshenbaum (Y.B.), MK Shemtov (Y.B.) and MK Zeev (Shas) heckled his response. Ben Simon responded that he didn’t think anything he said was racist and that he will keep helping weak minorities like Arabs. He said the Russians are very strong and don’t need his help at all. He apologized if the MKs understood his mocking of a Russian accent and statement that Russians are right wing extremists to be racist.

Amendment to the Lands Bill

MK Orlev (J.H.) explained his amendment would ease the conditions for approval of a plan to strengthen buildings and condominiums against earthquakes. He said bureaucracy has stopped many people from taking action to protect against earthquakes. He added that the bill would require all apartment owners to foot the bill for strengthening the building if 51% of the owners support it.

Justice Minister Neeman expressed government support for the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 27-0 and was sent to the Interior Committee.

Amendment to the Nazi War Veterans Bill

MK Solodkin (Kadima) said she was not surprised to learn what Ben Simon said about Russians. She told him it was a big mistake, very disrespectful, and expected from a former Haaretz journalist like himself, and it was a good idea for him to apologize. She stressed that just because it might seem that Yisrael Beitenu is anti-Arab, that doesn’t mean that all Russians are anti-Arab, and Ben Simon should watch what he says in the future. She explained her amendment would provide rights for handicapped Nazi War veterans equal to the rights of disabled IDF veterans. She said there are 2,300 handicapped Nazi War veterans who are still alive, with the youngest at the age of 86. She said these people fought for Israel’s future and at their old age should receive the same benefits as IDF veterans. She said the humane thing to do is provide for them as their numbers slowly fade away.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that it would cost about NIS 1.1 billion annually and because 62,000 people would be eligible for compensation the way Solodkin phrased the bill. He suggested turning the bill into a motion and finding a way in committee to draft a new version of the bill that is on a lower scale.

MK Solodkin said Cohen’s numbers are wrong and he is talking about all holocaust survivors and not handicapped Holocaust survivors. She suggested the government should actually read her bills. She expressed regret the government was going to defeat a Holocaust related bill the day after International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The bill was defeated 14-27.

Amendment to the Traffic Ordinance Bill

MK Bielski (Kadima) explained his amendment would require painting blue all handicapped parking spaces in Israel so that drivers can’t pretend they didn’t see the sign. He said that if the cost of the bill is too high, he is willing to phase in the implementation of the bill gradually over a decade. He even volunteered to find money from his mayor buddies and have some of the local municipalities foot some of the bill. He said the weekly Torah portion of Kedoshim teaches us we must pass this bill.

Science and Technology Minister Hershkowitz (J.H.) stated the weekly torah portion is Bo. He expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that every handicapped parking spot has a sign and it is unnecessary to also paint the spot blue. He noted that Israeli traffic laws follow the European standard.

MK Bielski apologized for mistaking Bo with Kedoshim. He said that the current system isn’t working because people who are not disabled are parking in handicapped spots because they don’t see the signs.

The bill was defeated 15-32.

Amendment to the Inspection of Prices of Commodities and Services Bill

MK Tirosh (Kadima) explained her amendment would regulate whole wheat bread and the new government supervision would result in a national fixed price. She said this was the healthy approach that both doctors and nutritionists support. She said the government’s opposition to the bill is piggish capitalism and wondered how a socialist like Simhon could approve of such a position. She said the price of whole wheat bread should be four shekels and not 19 shekels. She warned that the poor can only afford white bread, which leads to health problems.

Industry and Trade Minister Simhon (Independence) said he saw no reason to have supervision on whole wheat or white bread. He said consumers prefer other food, computers, education, culture and so on. He told Tirosh not to make such a big deal over bread. He expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that heavy regulation raises prices and doesn’t lower them.

MK Tirosh said she really didn’t see a connection between whole wheat bread and computers. She stated bread is the most important food item and it should be heavily regulated. She said the government is acting like a piggish capitalist entity that has no emotions and no heart. She told the government they should be embarrassed and ashamed of themselves.

Industry and Trade Minister Simhon responded that Tirosh didn’t listen to his answer and defended himself that he isn’t a pig. He noted that 90% of baked goods in Israel are not under supervision and there is no reason to include more items in the supervision list. He said in a free market without regulation, prices go down.

The bill was defeated 14-35.

Amendment to the Consumer Protection Bill

MK Tiviaev (Kadima) explained his amendment would require the notification and marking of monitored items along with their required price. He said there are 20 food items that are under government supervision and the public should have a right to know what they are and how much they are supposed to cost. He slammed the Ministerial Committee for Legislative Affairs and called the ministers who sit on the committee liars. He said every minister told him they supported the bill, yet the bill didn’t win government support. He said it must be a black hole. He blamed the capitalist government for opposing his logical bill. He charged Simhon is trying to split Kadima into two like he split Labor into two. He called the government and Simhon liars.

Industry and Trade Minister Simhon said he isn’t a liar and he supported Tiviaev’s bill. He added that he is proud of splitting Labor and he doesn’t need to split Kadima because it will split into pieces on its own. He said he planned to take most of the idea and pass it off as a ministerial provision. He suggested Tiviaev wait 30 days to see if he is successful in his provision plan and if not he would support the bill in its preliminary reading. Tiviaev agreed to wait 28 days.

Motion/Amendment to the Income Support Bill

MK Sarsur (R.T.) explained his amendment would allow an entitlement benefit for those who left Israel more than once during the year. He stated the current situation is that welfare benefits are not given for the calendar months in which someone is out of Israel unless they only leave Israel once a year. He noted his bill allows up to three trips abroad per year.

Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon (Likud) said the government opposes the bill but he wishes to come to an understanding with Sarsur on some sort of compromise. He asked Sarsur to turn the bill into a motion and discuss with him the issues that led to the law in committee. Sarsur agreed.

The motion passed 18-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

Motion/Amendment to the Social Security Bill

MK Agbaria (Hadash) explained his amendment would increase social security payments for retired Israelis with many children, as opposed to the current law that only provides additional payments for up to two children. He said in today’s day and age, many people have children under 18 when they enter retirement, and since the children are under 18, their retired parents are expected to provide for them. He said the bill would add a percentage per child ratio and would cost around NIS six million annually. He agreed to Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon’s offer to turn the bill into a motion in order to discuss the matter further in committee and find some kind of agreement.

The motion passed 18-1 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) explained his amendment would raise child welfare payments for large families to the levels they were before then Finance Minister Netanyahu in former Prime Minister Sharon’s government chose to lower them in order to encourage large families to go out and work. He said children cost a lot of money to raise and, as a tax payer, he deserves some of it back for raising the population. He called for justice, social justice. He said 40% tax brackets don’t encourage people to work, it is what encourages them to sit on their sofa. He said the lowering of welfare entitlements also does not encourage people to work. He said there are people who choose to have more children with their money instead of flying overseas to spend their money there, and for whatever reason the government is supporting the wrong one.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen expressed government opposition to the bill due to budget constraints. He said the government wants to support the bill but can’t add another NIS 2.5 billion to the budget. He went on to blast Yair Lapid for trying to get a third degree before passing his first degree. He listed the many MKs in the room who have three degrees without skipping anything.

MK Ben Ari defended his bill as fair and told Cohen and the government to stop being so greedy and to start sharing some of the wealth with the citizens.

The bill was defeated 4-29.

Amendment to the Former Captives Payment Bill

MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) explained his amendment would provide a special one-time grant for the 1,500 elderly former captives of the War of Independence, the youngest among them 86 years old. He said these few people should be thanked by the country and shouldn’t die off because they are in poverty. He stressed the bill is very important to him, so he will postpone the vote on the bill until he receives government support.

Construction, Removal and Restoration of Kfar Shalem Areas Bill x4

MK Akunis (Likud) explained his original bill and the three similar bills attached to his will help the people of the Kfar Shalem neighborhood in Tel Aviv receive financial compensation for their temporary removal from their homes for the purpose of upgrading them. He slammed the municipality of Tel Aviv for opposing the bill and thanked the government for not picking sides on this one. He announced the cost of the bill is a one-time fee of NIS four million. He thanked MK Michaeli (Shas), MK Hasson and MK Gilon (Meretz), who attached their bills to his.

MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) slammed Tel Aviv Mayor Huldai and said this bill is one of the most important bills he has written since he entered the Knesset and the government better not back down now.

Interior Minister Yishai (Shas) stated the government does not have an official position on any of the four bills and the coalition may vote as they please. He revealed that he will be voting for all four.

The bills passed their preliminary readings 36-0, 33-0-1, 34-0 and 34-0. The bills were merged and sent to the House Committee to determine which committee will discuss them further.

Amendment to the Companies Bill

MK Gal-On (Meretz) explained her amendment would require special arrangements for creditors under the supervision of the law. She said this bill will prevent companies that receive government money from doing whatever they want with it, especially if the government is paying their debts. She expressed hope this type of supervision would lead to transparency of the companies and might cause certain big businesses to split up into separate entities. She stated when a big company goes bankrupt, sometimes the government ends up in a loss of billions of shekels. She suggested this bill would help banks take a look at a large company before blindly giving out a big loan. She called on the government to listen to the people and not the business tycoons.

Justice Minister Neeman expressed government support for the bill but stressed the bill will go through many revisions in the committee discussions.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 25-0 and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee will discuss the bill further.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s January 25, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/00604712.doc

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 38: Welfare Payments Overseas and Who Decides Who Is Jewish on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

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The Knesset’s Tuesday session lasted about four hours. Two bills were discussed, and both were advanced after passing their first readings. The bills would allow welfare payments to continue when the woman is overseas and force the population registry to accept rabbinical court decisions on who is really Jewish. The MKs spent more time discussing International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the possible extension of the Tal Law. The official International Holocaust Remembrance Day is Jan 27, but the Knesset discussed it on Jan 24th instead.

Non-Bills Summary

* 14 MKs gave speeches on the one minute speech segment that opened the day. Many of the speeches were in the spirit of International Holocaust Remembrance Day or on the Tal Law.

* A motion on International Holocaust Remembrance Day was discussed by Speaker Rilvin, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Opposition Leader Livni and Deputy Prime Minister Shalom (Likud).

* 11 MKs participated in a preliminary discussion regarding the extension of the deferment of Yeshiva students from the army through the Tal Law.

* Tourism Minister Misezhnikov (Y.B.) answered six queries during a question hour.

* Deputy Education Minister Moses (U.T.J.) answered two queries at the end of the session.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Payment Bill

 

Justice, Law and Constitution Committee Chairman Rotem (Y.B.) explained the amendment would allow women to receive childcare welfare payments from the government even if they spend up to 72 days of the year outside of Israel or leave the country up to four times a year. He said that women who are overseas for longer than that period of time are probably not living in Israel.

The bill passed its second reading 22-0.

The bill passed its third reading 22-0.

MK Khenin (Hadash) thanked the MKs and Knesset for approving his feminist bill and extending welfare payments to women who leave the country for up to 72 days. He expressed regret he couldn’t find a way to convince the government to agree to extend the period of time even further.

Amendment to the Population Registration Bill

MK Azoulay (Shas) explained the amendment would require the population registry to register who is Jewish according to the rulings of the rabbinical courts. He slammed the population registry for deciding someone isn’t Jewish despite a rabbinical court decision that they are. He said after this bill is passed the population registry will be forced to follow Jewish law.

MK Cabel (Labor) said the bill he co-sponsored should have been unnecessary but he is happy to stand and lead the charge against the population registry, who have no right to decide who is Jewish and who is not.

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

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s January 24, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/00549012.doc

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 37: New Advertising and Marketing Limitations on Alcoholic Beverages

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — 2 Comments
February 11, 2012

The Knesset’s Monday session lasted about four and a half hours. Four bills were discussed. One bill became law after passing its third reading, and three bills were advanced after passing their first readings. The new law heavily regulates the advertising and marketing of alcohol. The bills advanced deal with prohibiting entrance fees for Israeli Memorial Day activities, youth rights on sports teams, and free calls to help centers for sexual abuse victims. The government survived the no-confidence motions as usual.

Non-Bills Summary

* Kadima’s no-confidence motion titled ‘Extension of Tal Law – Netanyahu government encourages ultra orthodox army evasion and inequality of the military burden’ was defeated 32-47 with 41 MKs not present.

* Labor and Meretz’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘Netanyahu government’s failure in the political, social and economic sector’ was defeated 40-47 with 33 MKs not present.

* Hadash, Ra’am-Ta’al and Balad’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘Justice Minister Neeman’s request to give amnesty to policeman Shahar Mizrahi and his policy of not punishing policemen who kill Arab civilians’ was defeated 10-52-1 with 57 MKs not present.

* Interior Minister Yishai (Shas) presented the government’s request to extend a temporary provision on the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Bill that prohibits citizenship of Palestinian Arabs who marry Israeli citizens. 17 MKs gave speeches and clarified their position on the request. At the end of the discussion the extension was approved 37-14.

* Finance Committee Chairman Shama (Likud) asked the Knesset to approve his committee’s request to split a bill the committee is discussing into two. The Knesset approved the request 17-0.

* MK Aflalo (Kadima) gave his goodbye address after submitting his letter of resignation to Speaker Rivlin earlier in the day. He thanked the MKs and Knesset workers and said he would remember them after he takes his new position in the KKL. He chose not to congratulate Avraham Duan, who was set to replace him 48 hours later.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Limitation on Advertising and Marketing of Alcoholic Beverages Bill

 

Finance Committee Chairman Shama (Likud) said that alcohol is linked to serious violence and, in many cases, death. He noted the World Health Organization lists alcohol as the third leading cause of death after high blood pressure and cigarettes. He warned that alcoholism has become an epidemic among Israeli youth. He explained the purpose of the new amendment is to limit the advertising and marketing of alcoholic beverages in Israel by prohibiting advertising on all billboards, youth newspapers and magazines, youth television and radio shows. He added regular newspapers and magazines will be restricted to three alcohol advertisements, and alcohol companies may not market package deals that take up more than five percent of the advertisement. He stated alcohol advertisements will be limited to information of the product and will carry a warning on television, radio and print (as well as the bottle itself) about the danger of drinking alcohol. He noted that giving away alcohol as a prize in a raffle or sweepstakes on television or radio will be prohibited, but it will be permitted in bars and at alcohol festivals. He said certain lobby groups tried to exempt wine and beer from the bill, but they were not successful. He said that most of the new provisions will start in three months, but a few will take effect in two years. He concluded that it is very important to heavily regulate the alcohol industry and thanked the sponsor of the bill for adding the latest round.

The bill passed its second reading 24-0.

The bill passed its third reading 23-0.

MK Danon (Likud) thanked the MKs and Knesset for approving his bill. He announced that it was the marketing to youth that convinced him to write the bill, and when he found out that Israel is third in the world in 11-year-old alcohol consumption he chose to expand the bill.

Amendment to the Israeli Memorial Day Bill

MK Matalon (Y.B.) explained his amendment would prohibit charging entrance to Israeli Memorial Day activities. He said the decision of non-profits to charge for entrance to last year’s activities led to a lower number of participants and a big moral disgrace to families who lost loved ones. He urged the Knesset to help him advance and pass his bill before the next Israeli Memorial Day.

MK Katzeleh (N.U.) expressed his support for the bill. He stated certain people are against this bill because it would prevent high-profile singers from performing at the events and pocketing a nice salary. He suggested that if these high-profile singers get greedy, there are patriotic mid- and low-profile singers who can replace them.

MK Yachimovich (Labor) thanked the government for abandoning capitalism and free markets and adopting her socialist policies. She expressed hope this would be the first of many socialist bills that she co-sponsored that will become law under this capitalist government. She agreed with Katzeleh, stressing the artists should agree to perform for free and not take money on such an important day.

The bill passed its first reading 17-0 and was sent to the Culture Committee.

Amendment to the Sports Bill

MK Tirosh (Kadima) explained the amendment would inform minors of their rights and responsibilities when they join a youth sports team and force teams to trade them if they demand it within two months of the request. She stated soccer players have shelf lives of until the age of 30 and their rights before the age of 18 should be protected since that is a large portion of their career. She concluded by announcing the bill also deals with overseas health insurance for minors.

MK Eichler (U.T.J.) slammed the press for inciting against the ultra-orthodox and the secular MKs who are trying to ride that wave. He said it is unacceptable that other minority groups like Ethiopians, Druze and Arabs are protected, while the ultra-orthodox are left out to dry.

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

Amendment to the Telecommunications and Broadcasting Bill

MK Levi-Abekasis (Y.B.) explained her amendment would require that all telephone calls to emergency centers for victims of sexual assault be made free. She said these centers do important work and save lives, and the price of the telephone call should be picked up by the government. She added that her bill would prohibit telephone companies from releasing information on who is calling the centers and who the centers are calling.

The bill passed its first reading 10-0 and was sent to the Women’s Rights Committee.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s January 23, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/00515112.doc

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 36: Internet Packages and Splitting Apartments

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — 4 Comments
February 9, 2012

The Knesset’s Wednesday session lasted about six hours. Twelve bills were discussed. Two bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings, seven were defeated, one was turned into a motion and two were not voted on in order to avoid defeat. Seven motions were discussed. The bills advanced allow the splitting of an apartment into two in order to promote flooding the market with more apartments and allow customers who don’t use their technological device while overseas to roll their internet minutes or data to the month after they get back.

Non-Bills Summary

* Energy and Water Minister Landau (Y.B.), Housing and Construction Minister Atias (Shas), Interior Minister Yishai (Shas) and Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) answered urgent queries to start the session.

* Seven motions were discussed and sent to various Knesset committees for further discussion by the votes 8-0, 7-0, 6-0, 5-0, 5-0, 15-0 and 3-0.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Bathing Places Bill

 

MK Zeev (Shas) explained his amendment would require the government to place lifeguards at ponds and streams of national parks and nature reserves. He stated many children and adults have been injured and some have died because there are no lifeguards in nature reserves and national parks. He said it is unacceptable that the country charges 25 shekels a person for entrance and provides entrance to ponds and streams that don’t have lifeguards. He asked where the money is going. He said posting a sign is not sufficient. He asked why the government would oppose the bill since the funding is directly connected to the entrance fees. He agreed to postpone the vote on the bill to a later time when he receives government support.

Amendment to the Telecommunications and Broadcasting Bill

MK Miller (Y.B.) explained his amendment would allow the accumulation of units of web browsing services when the customer is outside of Israel. He said this was the customer is allowed to use the units that were part of the plan when they return to Israel.

Communications Minister Kahlon (Likud) expressed government support for the bill.

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

Temporary Provision Amendment to the Planning and Building Bill

MK Eichler (U.T.J.) explained his amendment would allow the splitting of apartments of over 100 square meters into two apartments as long as each apartment has at least 35 square meters. He said the temporary provision would last five years until the government builds enough houses to meet the demand. He expressed hope this bill would help flood the market with many apartments.

Interior Minister Yishai expressed government support for the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 23-0 and was sent to the Interior Committee.

Amendment to the Preventing Employment of Sex Offenders in Certain Institutions Bill

MK Naffaa (Balad) explained his amendment would prohibit the employment of a minor who is a sex offender in all educational institutions. He said there are 16 and 17 year olds who work at formal and informal educational institutions and his bill will make sure those hired aren’t sex offenders. He agreed to postpone the vote on the bill until he received government support.

Protecting Public Agencies’ Working Contracts’ Rights Bill/Motion

MK Khenin (Hadash) explained his original bill would prohibit hiring contracted workers through big consulting companies who pocket a big profit. He noted that in the public sector 50% of workers are contractors and they don’t receive the same rights as the other 50% who are employees. He listed the many rights that contracted workers would receive according to his bill that would result in the same exact rights as an employee.

Industry and Trade Minister Simhon (Independence) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that the contracted workers’ rights were recently updated. He said some time must pass to see if there is a need to increase contracted workers’ rights, and perhaps the latest round of rights is the correct balance. He offered Khenin to turn the bill into a motion and if the committee decides to support the initiative he will support the bill at a later date.

MK Khenin warned that many contracted workers were not included in the latest round of benefits and his bill would apply to all contracted workers. He agreed to turn the bill into a motion.

The motion passed 49-0 and was sent to the Labor Committee.

Prohibiting Discrimination in Housing Bill

MK Gilon (Meretz) explained his original bill would prohibit the discrimination of all minority groups in real estate, whether it be for selling or renting. He said the fine would be NIS 150,000. He slammed the Mevaseret police for prohibiting an Ethiopian march protesting the discrimination of Ethiopians in Kiryat Melachi. He said this is the right time to pass this bill and send a message to Kiryat Melachi racists.

Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitch (Y.B.) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that the bill is too extreme and calls for extreme punishment. He said the government is against racism, but this bill goes too far.

MK Gilon said if the government really supported the principle of the bill but disagreed with some of the details it could be passed in its preliminary reading and changed in committee before its first reading. He charged the government doesn’t care about this bill and has a racist policy. He called for a role call vote.

The bill was defeated 22-43.

Reporting Requirement for Financial Institutions’ Unclaimed Funds Bills

MK Sheetrit (Kadima) explained his original bill would require the banks to disclose on the internet the bank accounts of the NIS 15-20 billion that have been frozen for ten years or more in order to allow citizens to claim their inheritance. He slammed the banks for opposing this bill and trying to pocket the money that is not rightfully theirs. He reported his bill is law in many democratic countries. He blasted the government for opposing his bill in 2011 and asked them to sober up in 2012. He promised that if the government passes the bill in its preliminary reading, he won’t pursue it in the first reading unless he convinces the government it is a good idea.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) said the bill is unnecessary since the principle is already found in Israeli law under the power of the finance minister and the finance minister is going to implement the internet database soon.

MK Sheetrit said he doesn’t believe the website will be created without his bill passing. He said it is the public’s right to have the money they deserve. He said he will wait for six months in committee after the preliminary reading to see if the finance minister actually implements the internet database. He warned the government not to choose the big banks over the simple citizens.

The bill was defeated 17-40.

Amendment to the Chief Rabbinate Bill

MK Molla (Kadima) explained his amendment would require the inclusion of Keisim in the Chief Rabbinate’s electoral assembly. He asked the Knesset to stand with the Ethiopians today and support this bill over discrimination by the ultra orthodox. He said there are 60-70 Keisim who are the Rabbis of the Ethiopian community in Israel and they should be part of the spiritual leadership of the Israeli Rabbinate. He said despite the fact that former Chief Rabbi Goren said Ethiopians aren’t Jewish, they were still brought to Israel thanks to Chief Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef, and they should not be excluded from religious Judaism. He said this discrimination leads to Ethiopian riots in Kiryat Melachi.

Religious Affairs Minister Margi (Shas) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that it would set a dangerous precedent to choose electoral assemblies by their country of origin. He said there is no rule preventing Keisim or Ethiopians from serving in the assembly, but they are not big enough at this time to have the votes needed to enter the assembly. He said the government supports Ethiopians but can’t support this bill.

MK Molla said giving 70 Keisim a salary without authority was stupid on the government’s part and they should be given authority within the assembly.

The bill was defeated 21-33.

Amendment to the Social Security Bill
MK Molla explained his amendment would increase the old age pensions, which would help a key demographic of poor Israelis. He stated the old built this country and deserve more than they are given, even if it will cost billions to the national budget. He said this bill is very logical.

Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon (Likud) said the principle is worthy and just, but the budget cannot withstand such an increase. He said for a long time the old age pension was 16% and today it stands at 17.7%, but the country can’t jump to the 20% required in the bill. He said he gave NIS 11 million towards old peoples heating bills and he really wants to support this bill, but he can’t.

MK Molla said he sympathizes with Kahlon because the priority of this government is not for the elderly, rather for the big businesses. He promised to raise this bill for discussion every six months.

The bill was defeated 25-35.

Two Amendments to the Retirement Age Bill

MK Solodkin (Kadima) explained her amendment would lower the retirement age for women to 60 for three large groups that would include most of the women in the workforce.

MK Yachimovich (Labor) explained her similar amendment would lower the retirement age of all women to the age of 60. She went on to give a speech for the next ten minutes that resembled a campaign speech, with many fancy words, little substance and a lot of story telling.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen expressed government opposition to the bills on the grounds that as humans live longer, the retirement age should be raised and not lowered. He said any actuary knows that it is a very dangerous financial move to accept such a bill and would cost the country billions of shekels. He said NIS 600 million is provided to a fund that assists women who retire in their 50s because of physical jobs that took a toll on their health.

The first bill was defeated 19-32.

The second bill was defeated 15-31.

Amendment to the Security Service Bill

MK Katzeleh (N.U.) explained his amendment would maintain freedom of religion in the army by allowing soldiers to follow any religious tradition or practice that is authorized by the army Chaplains. He said it is impossible to try to draft the ultra orthodox Jews into the army if they are asked to break Jewish law. He said the generals should allow the army rabbis the freedom to rule in Jewish matters and should respect the rabbis’ decisions and positions. He added that a soldier who refuses to hear a woman sing should be allowed to politely walk away from the performance without being disciplined. He warned if the army doesn’t go towards the religious, it can’t expect to draft the religious. He noted that within the next decade the religious Jews will make up a majority of Jewish births. He stated the government needs to look at how they can make life easier for them in the army, and not harder. He slammed the latest attempts to harm religion in the army and expressed hope it wouldn’t scare away religious soldiers. He said a free democratic country should protect freedom of religion. He said the generals should enter into a dialogue with the ultra orthodox rabbis and ask what they can do to encourage more religious Jews in the army. He concluded that Israel’s religious soldiers are asking for freedom.

Industry and Trade Minister Simhon expressed government opposition on the grounds that freedom of religion has limits, just like every other freedom. He said this bill will impair army discipline and allow soldiers to think for themselves more than necessary. He said army service is not a request but a duty, and soldiers will be forced to listen to female singers if that is what the army wants.

MK Katzeleh said orders must be followed, but common sense must be used as well. He said the current policy is keeping the ultra orthodox from the army and that is very sad.

The bill was defeated 2-19.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s January 18, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/00455012.doc

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 35: Blind People, Public Housing, Social Security and Nazi Persecution

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — Leave a comment
February 8, 2012

The Knesset’s Tuesday session lasted about four and a half hours. Four bills were discussed. Two bills became law after passing their third readings, and two were advanced after passing their first readings. Two motions were discussed. The new laws prohibit repo companies from taking away blind people’s seeing eye dog welfare payments and settle disputes of public housing in cases of divorce. The bills advanced change semantics in the Nazi Persecution Bill and allow veterans to serve in reserve duty and not have that time count against them for their preferred jobs.

Non-Bills Summary

* 22 MKs spoke during the One Minute Speech segment that opened the day.

* House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) announced which disputed bills would be discussed in which committees.

* Nine MKs asked queries during a question hour with Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.)

* MK Michaeli (Shas) announced the Labor, Welfare and Health Committee’s request to split a bill into two. It was approved 13-0.

* A motion on the cases of discrimination and racism against Ethiopian immigrants in Kiryat Malachi was discussed by 18 MKs.

* A motion on the planned evictions of homeless people from their tent cities was discussed by 7 MKs.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Prohibition of Taking Away a Blind Person’s Money for a Seeing Eye Dog Bill

Justice, Law and Constitution Committee Chairman Rotem (Y.B.) explained the amendment would prohibit repo men from taking away a blind person’s welfare payment of NIS 935 for maintaining their seeing eye dog. He said there are 7,000 blind people who receive the payment and all of them will be protected under the bill.

The bill passed its second reading 14-0.

The bill passed its third reading 16-0.

MK Khenin (Hadash) thanked the Knesset and the MKs for approving his bill. He stated that a blind person deserves to receive their welfare payment even if they don’t make any of their payments.

Amendment to the Public Housing Tenant’s Rights Bill

MK Ben Simon (Labor) explained that under the amendment if a couple who lives in public housing get divorced or separated, the housing assistance would be given to the parent with the most children and would not be split into two. He added the bill prohibits giving away the public housing in a custody or divorce battle.

The bill passed its second reading 13-0.

The bill passed its third reading 12-0.

MK Avraham Balila (Kadima) thanked the Knesset and MKs for supporting and approving her very important bill. She said this is another feminist bill coming out of the Women’s Right’s Committee and thanked the female MKs for fighting for women’s rights.

Amendment to the Social Security Bill

MK Bibi (Kadima) explained the amendment would extend the period of eligibility for a special grant for veteran soldiers who perform preferred work so that it doesn’t count against them when they serve in the reserves. He said that preferred work is nine months over the first two years of finishing service, but some people spend some of that time in the reserves, and his bill will make sure that time is not counted against their two years.

The bill passed its first reading 5-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

Amendment to the Victims of Nazi Persecution Bill

MK Bielski (Kadima) explained his amendment is a matter of semantics and would replace terms used in the bill so that it would give victims of Nazi persecution more respect. He said his grandson, Lavi, will read in the official protocol in many years that only a few MKs stayed until the end of the evening to support his grandfather’s bill that saved the honor of victims of Nazi persecution. He whined for ten minutes asking why the other MKs didn’t stay for his bill.

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

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s January 17, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/00416212.doc

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