Jeremy's Knesset Insider

The Knesset’s Monday session lasted about five hours. Twelve bills were discussed. Seven bills became law after passing their third readings, and five were advanced after passing their first readings. The session had a little bit of everything from single parents to social security to soldiers to Druze, among other interesting topics.

Non-Bills Summary

* Kadima’s no-confidence motion titled ‘Incompetence of the Netanyahu government against instances of radicalization, violence and racism in Israeli society’ was defeated 36-47 with 37 MKs not present.

* Labor and Meretz’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘A 20% increase in starting construction in the settlements’ was defeated 35-46-1 with 38 MKs not present.

* Hadash, Ra’am-Ta’al and Balad’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘Low employment figures in the Arab population, compared to the general trend’ was defeated 27-50 with 43 MKs not present.

 

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Additional Mailing Address for Minors Bill

Children’s Rights Committee Chairman Orlev (J.H.) explained the amendment would enable a parent who does not live with their child to receive all copies of the child’s official mail, change of address and educational, medical and financial information. He reported that the current law does not call for copies of documents, mail or information about a child for the parent who does not have full custody. He stated the court can decide to deny these privileges on a case by case basis. He said the point of the bill is to prevent mothers who decide to cut fathers out of their children’s lives for no explicable reason other than revenge. He stressed that parenting does not end when a couple gets divorced.

MK Sheetrit thanked Chairman Orlev for supporting his bill through two years of committee meetings. He said as a former Justice, Education and Interior Minister, he doesn’t understand why the government is opposing his two objections to his own bill. He said that a small minority of fathers are problematic and it is not fair to the majority of single fathers. He explained his objections would reduce the bureaucracy involved in this bill and make it easier. He stressed that fathers care about their biological children and they deserve to know when their children switch schools, health care providers, addresses and so on.

Chairman Orlev said the bill creates a dilemma that the father needs to go to a government office once to apply for his rights under this bill and Sheetrit’s objections would make them automatic. He called on the MKs to oppose the objections.

The paragraphs passed their second readings 32-0, 32-0 and 33-0.

The objections were defeated 10-21-1 and 12-21.

The bill passed its third reading 31-0.

MK Sheetrit thanked the Knesset for approving his bill despite rejecting his two just objections.

Amendment to the Economic Efficiency Implementation of the Economic Program for 2009 and 2010 Bill

Funds Committee Chairman Gafni (U.T.J.) explained the amendment would exempt businesses and companies that have a turnover of under NIS 2.5 million from certain financial reports. Non-profit organizations would receive the same exemptions for under NIS 20 million. He said this bill is a compromise that finds a balance between the needs of small businesses and the government collecting exact taxes. He thanked his assistants and fellow committee members.

The bill passed its second reading 16-0.

The bill passed its third reading 16-0.

Amendment to the Social Security Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz (Likud) explained the amendment would distribute funds into programs that help at-risk children. He said the programs already exist under a temporary provision and this extension would be for three additional years. He said that the bill should become a permanent bill by that time.

The bill passed its second reading 12-0.

The bill passed its third reading 11-0.

Temporary Provision Amendment to the Defense Service Bill

Coalition Chairman Elkin (Likud) explained the temporary provision that forces male soldiers to serve 36 months instead of 30 months is being extended for a year, just like it has been extended every year before that since 1986.

The bill passed its second reading 13-0.

The bill passed its third reading 13-0.

Amendment to the Social Security Bill

Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon (Likud) explained the amendment would force the social security office to return to a citizen the money he overpaid retroactively. He stated the current law is only up to three years and this will fix that issue.

The bill passed its first reading 16-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

Amendment to the Assisting Minors who are Victims of Sexual or Violent Crimes Bill

Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon explained the amendment would create another eight shelters for victims of sexual and violent crimes who are minors, in addition to the two that are in existence today. He added the shelters would be built and operational by 2015.

MK Levi-Abekasis (Y.B.) said the deadline of building the shelters over three years is unacceptable. She stressed that these kids need help now and not in three years. She said all children who die from these crimes will be on the heads of the Labor and Welfare Minister, who has ducked away from building the shelters since the Supreme Court ordered them in 2008. She said the cost of implementing the bill of eight million shekels is nothing and should not be pushed off for three years.

MK Molla (Kadima) told the coalition they have a lot of chutzpa to vote for this bill with the three year clause and walked off the podium.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) said this is not the legislative home of Israel, but the populist home of Israel. He asked why only issues that make it to the papers can be passed into law and not important issues like this.

MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) called the bill arrogant and asked where the priority in the government lies. He asked where the eight million shekels is for minors who have been raped. He asked how the government isn’t embarrassed of itself. He said it is the government’s fault from now on for every minor who is raped.

MK Khenin (Hadash) said the bill is an embarrassment that surpasses all boundaries that sinks the government into its lowest part. He told the coalition MKs who respect themselves to walk out of the plenum and not vote for the bill.

MK Adatto (Kadima) said she feels contempt towards anyone who votes for this bill. She said as a doctor, she knows that children who are molested who don’t receive immediate treatment will carry it for the rest of their lives.

MK Whbee (Kadima) blamed MK Kahlon for passing a bill that he will never need to implement and charged his ministry will postpone it for another three years in 2015. He said walking out is not the right option, voting against the bill is.

Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon said he feels the pain of the previous seven speakers. He confessed the three years is a problem and he doesn’t agree with it. He stressed that no child is turned away from the two shelters in existence and the MKs are stretching the truth with their speeches. He blamed his predecessors for not building the shelters earlier.

The bill passed its first reading 21-14 and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee will discuss the bill further.

Amendment to the Sports Bill

Housing and Construction Minister Atias (Shas) explained the amendment would postpone the implementation of certain clauses for six months.

The bill passed its first reading 16-0 and was sent to the Sport Committee.

Amendment to the Elections Bill

MK Michaeli (Shas) explained the amendment would allow national service volunteers to vote in double envelopes in the areas of their service, just like the military does today.

MK Yoel Hasson said this is another promotion for another coalition’s attempt to mess around with national voting results. He slammed Orlev and the Jewish Home for trying to increase their electoral power through corruption.

MK Whbee said he doesn’t understand how the Likud and coalition can agree to pay such a heavy price for Jewish Home’s survival. He said this bill is squeezing all fairness out of the Israeli law book.

MK Orlev said he is guilty for sponsoring this bill and he won’t apologize for it. He said that national servicewomen should be entitled to the same rights as soldiers. He slammed Hasson and Whbee and told them to shut up.

The bill passed its first reading 16-8 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Amendment to the Employment Services Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz explained the amendment would prohibit discrimination at the work place and when hiring employees for a wide variety of reasons including veteran soldiers and women going through fertility treatments. He added the bill will also not allow employers to worsen their work conditions.

The bill passed its second reading 17-0.

The bill passed its third reading 10-0.

MK Shai (Kadima) thanked the Knesset and MKs for supporting and passing his bill.

Amendment to the Pharmacists Ordinance Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz explained the amendment would require all pharmacists- those who learned in Israel or abroad- to pass a government test before receiving a government license to practice in a pharmacy in Israel. He said the bill will take effect on January 1, 2013.

The bill passed its second reading 13-0.

The bill passed its third reading 12-0.

Amendment to the Absorption of Discharged Soldiers Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz explained the amendment would increase the grant soldiers receive on their release from active service. He said for instance, a soldier who served 36 months in a combat unit will receive NIS 20,000 instead of NIS 9,650, a 105% increase, after the gradual increase is completed in 2016. He said the point of the bill is to give some appreciation to soldiers who served their country and give them a little something with which to start their lives.

The bill passed its second reading 13-0.

The bill passed its third reading 13-0.

MK Matalon (Y.B.) thanked the Knesset and MKs for supporting his bill and Chairman Katz for pushing it through as fast as possible. He also thanked Foreign Minister Liberman for helping him receive government support for the bill earlier on in the process.

Amendment to the Expanding Druze Community Representation Bill

MK Amar (Y.B.) explained the amendment would raise to 10% the Druze affirmative action throughout the public sector. He reported there are 130,000 Druze living in Israel, mainly in their 16 villages up north, and their average wage is under NIS 5,000 a month. He said the Druze have an 83% military rate. He pointed out 16% of Sefaram’s population is Druze but none of their 70 municipal workers are Druze.

MK Yoel Hasson praised and supported the bill, calling it important and a true answer to a difficult problem. He stated Israel owes the Druze and this bill is necessary.

MK Levin (Likud) said those who serve the country must receive from the country. He said the previous governments have ignored the Druze, but this government does care about the Druze and has helped them time and again.

The bill passed its first reading 12-0 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s January 16, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew:  http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/00386012.doc

The Knesset’s Tuesday session lasted about three hours. One bill was discussed and advanced after it passed its first reading. The bill would extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting sexual harassment cases from three years to four years. One motion and a number of queries were also discussed during the relatively short Tuesday session.

 

Non-Bill Summary

* 14 MKs spoke during the One Minute Speech segment that opened the day. Most of the speeches involved the MKs’ commentaries on the prior night’s late night legislation.

* House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) announced that MK Herzog (Labor) and MK Avital (Kadima) will replace MK Cabel (Labor) and MK Molla (Kadima) in a joint subcommittee. He announced that MK Tirosh (Kadima) will replace MK Abesadze (Kadima) in three joint subcommittees. He also announced which disputed bills will be discussed in which committees.

* Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon (Likud) answered twelve queries during his Question Hour. He answered three additional queries later in the session during the Query portion of the day.

* A motion on the phenomenon of assimilation of Jewish children living in Arab villages was discussed by three MKs and Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon. The motion was sent to the Health Committee following a 5-0 vote.

 

Bill Summary

Amendment to the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Bill

Women’s Rights Committee Chairwoman Hotovely (Likud) explained her amendment would extend the statute of limitations under the bill from three years to four years. She confessed that her original bill called for seven years, but stressed the importance of raising the limitations of prosecuting sexual harassment cases to four years.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) said that a secret video camera revealed there is a witch hunt against the ultra-orthodox. He said the footage contradicted sexual harassment and police brutality charges brought against a certain Yeshiva boy and blasted certain television personalities for attacking the boy’s integrity. He went on to list other proven cases where the police tried to frame ultra-orthodox Jews for crimes there is clear evidence they didn’t commit.

MK Levi-Abekasis (Y.B.) supported and praised the bill and Hotovely. She listed her joint efforts with Hotovely to support feminist rights.

MK Zeev (Shas) said that women commit sexual harassment towards men and the press should stop painting a picture that all sexual harassment is committed by men towards women. He added that the bill should have also included a clause that discusses what sexual harassment is for children under the age of 18. He agreed to support the bill, but said he wasn’t so happy with this version for several reasons he didn’t want to get into.

The bill passed its first reading 7-0 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 10, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/00264612.doc

The Knesset’s Monday session lasted about ten hours, finishing at 2 AM. 18 bills were discussed. Thirteen bills passed their third readings and became law, and five bills were advanced after passing their first readings. The government survived the weekly no-confidence votes. There were many interesting bills discussed in a day highlighted by a mini-filibuster on new temporary three-year provisions to the Prevention of Infiltration Bill. The new bill is difficult to understand and can be interpreted in many different ways. A new amendment to the Courts Bill on gag orders was also a controversial topic of discussion. Check out the many new laws passed, many of which might affect your life.

 

Non-Bills Summary

* Kadima’s no-confidence motion titled ‘The Netanyahu government raises prices and hurt the middle class and other disadvantaged groups’ was defeated 39-51 with 30 MKs not present.

* Labor and Meretz’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘Lack of social policy and political isolation of the Netanyahu government’ was defeated 36-53 with 31 MKs not present.

* Hadash, Ra’am-Ta’al and Balad’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘Government policies against the Bedouin Arabs’ was defeated 13-53 with 54 MKs not present.

* MK Michaeli (Shas) announced the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee’s request to split a bill. It was approved 8-0.

 

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Prisoners of Zion and Their Families Bill

Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs Committee Chairman Danon (Likud) explained the amendment declares that only the regional Labor Courts will hear the cases of Prisoners of Zion appeals.

The bill passed its second reading 53-3-1.

The bill passed its third reading 57-2.

Temporary Order Amendment to the Social Security Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz (Likud) explained the temporary order amendment that allows social security doctor house calls for those over 90 years old to be extended for another year.

The bill passed its second reading 59-0.

The bill passed its third reading 59-0.

Amendment to the Social Security Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz explained the amendment would prohibit retroactive social security benefits of over 12 months for most citizens and 24 months for those over 62 years old.

The bill passed its second reading 48-0.

The bill passed its third reading 49-0.

Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon (Likud) thanked the Knesset for approving the last two bills, which his ministry wrote.

Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill

Funds Committee Chairman Gafni (U.T.J.) explained the amendment will allow businesses not to comply with IFRS reporting standards for the tax years of 2010 and 2011.

The bill passed its second reading 31-0.

The bill passed its third reading 28-0.

Amendment to the Municipal Elections Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Cohen (Shas) explained the amendment will send all appeals of municipal elections to the administrative affairs courts. He said that there are six different laws written on municipal elections and before this bill each bill was heard by a different court. He said this bill will create a one-stop-shop for municipal election appeals.

The bill passed its second reading 29-0.

The bill passed its third reading 29-0.

Amendment to the Parole from Prison Bill

Law, Constitution and Justice Committee Chairman Rotem (Y.B.) explained the amendment describes under which procedures and circumstances parole can be given for health reasons. He said the amendment will also include a procedure for returning a prisoner from parole to jail if his circumstance changes for the better.

The bill passed its second reading 25-0.

The bill passed its third reading 25-0.

Amendment to the Repo Execution Bill

Law, Constitution and Justice Committee Chairman Rotem explained the amendment will shorten the time between a court order to evacuate a house and the time a repo man can evict the people living in that house. He called on the MKs to oppose Khenin and Horowitz’s objections, which he said would allow repo men power to override court decisions.

MK Khenin (Hadash) said throwing someone out of their home is terrible and we should be as lenient as possible in giving them as much time as they need to find other arrangements. He said throwing someone into the street is unacceptable and his objection prevents such an occurrence. He said he believes that every person deserves a home and it is the country’s responsibility to make sure that every person has one. He said he will defend this communist principle to his grave.

MK Horowitz (Meretz) said the social justice movement of this past summer says there are more than two sides, the renter and the landlord. He said a third side of the government must be implemented into the Israeli psyche. He agreed with Khenin’s speech and said leaving Israelis without a roof is terrible. He said he understands the socialist mindset is lost on the conservatives but called on the socialists to vote for his objections. He added his objection that the government would pay the landlord rent after the court ordered eviction.

Chairman Rotem said it is convenient for ideological reasons to ruin the Israeli court system. He slammed Khenin and Horowitz, who are asking to pass a law to ignore a court order. He blasted them for accusing him of ruining the court system. He challenged them and told him that he will support the objections if they agreed to apply them to the residents of Judea and Samaria.

The paragraphs passed their second readings 30-0-3, 29-4 and 26-6.

The objections were defeated 5-27 and 6-23-1.

The bill passed its third reading 27-5.

Changing the System of Updating Pensions Bill

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) explained the original government bill would change the pension system for the electric company. He said that he hoped that other government companies will agree to negotiate and join the bill before it passes its third reading.

The bill passed its first reading 24-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

Amendment to the Forests Ordinance Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Cohen explained the amendment would make it harder to uproot a tree and would create a long checklist that must be completed by contractors before moving a tree from one place to another. He called on the Knesset to oppose Khenin and Horowitz’s objections.

MK Khenin said a city without trees is not a good city and called on citizens to protect the trees in their cities. He said this amendment doesn’t go far enough for his taste. He said there must be a sign next to every tree that is in danger of being uprooted. He said no one checks the internet daily to see which trees are in danger of being uprooted and that is why his objection is so important. He also called on extending the time someone can petition the removal for another 14 days.

MK Horowitz said trees create shade, lower the temperature and create harmony. He complained that too many trees are uprooted. He stated that although this amendment is a good one, it doesn’t go far enough. He said people connect their lives with trees and there are many people who risk their lives for trees.

Chairman Cohen defended his bill and said that in certain cases, such as trees blocking a driver’s vision at a busy intersection, trees must be taken down at once to save actual lives instead of trees.

The bill’s paragraphs were passed in their second readings 25-0 and 21-4.

The objections were defeated 4-21 and 4-21.

The bill passed its third reading 21-3.

Amendment to the Israel Antiquities Authority Bill

Education, Culture and Sport Committee Chairman Miller (Y.B.) explained the amendment would place the Israel Antiquities Authority under the Culture and Sport Ministry. He added the amendment also has significant changes to the makeup of the authority and its personnel.

MK Khenin charged that the changes in the amendment are meant to allow political appointments. He warned that politicking the antiquities authority is problematic and dangerous. He stated this bill will harm the legitimacy of the authority and place unqualified people in key positions. He concluded that it is a bad bill that leaves a bad taste in normal people’s mouths.

MK Horowitz accused Culture and Sport Minister Livnat (Likud) of pursuing this bill in order to pave the way for a certain neurologist to chair the antiquities authority. He blasted the idea that such an important authority would be given out as political prizes to key supporters. He called the bill unprofessional and a disgrace. He challenged the coalition to accept his objections to the bill.

The bills paragraphs passed their second readings 20-5, 22-5 and 23-7.

The objections on the bill were defeated 5-22, 3-22, 4-24, 4-24 and 4-24.

The bill passed its third reading 24-6.

Amendment to the Courts Bill

Law, Constitution and Justice Committee Chairman Rotem explained the amendment would allow a citizen under investigation to request that the courts place a gag order on releasing any information on the investigation before an Indictment is handed down. He added the amendment will also enact an automatic 48-hour gag order regardless of the court’s decision on whether or not to extend the gag order until the indictment. He noted the courts can override the automatic 48-hour gag order in cases of public safety or if it will help the investigation. He stated the balance within the amendment is the press’ ability to appeal the gag order if they feel the case meets one or both of the conditions for lifting it. He called on the MKs to reject the opposition’s objections to the bill and to support the one objection from the coalition.

MK Gal-On (Meretz) blasted the bill as another attempt to censor the media’s coverage of public officials’ court cases. She accused the bill of seriously harming the investigative journalism industry and noted there is not one western country that has a similar law. She stated that until 2002 there were only a handful of gag orders in such cases and since then there has been a trend to censor the media more and more. She said that only 3% of arrested Israelis find their personal information from the investigation, including their name, in Israeli papers, and most of them end up being found guilty. She warned that gag orders empower powerful defendants to get cases against them dropped and warned that if this bill had been passed already Itzick Mordechai and Moshe Katsav would both have remained elected officials. She stated this bill will strengthen the link between business tycoons and the government and that sometimes 48 hours is all that is needed to spin a story.

MK Horowitz stated the public’s right to know outweighs a private citizen’s right to privacy. He said that generally the police don’t investigate innocent people and their identity, as well the charges against them, should be published in the press. He said if the press is against this bill that is a good enough reason to oppose this bill as well. He stressed that freedom of the press is more important than an individual’s right to privacy. He said this is not a bill for a democratic state that claims to have a free press and human rights. He said he fully supported MK Gal-On’s speech and called on the Knesset to support the bill only with his and his friends’ objections.

MK Molla (Kadima) objected to the way the press currently gets around gag orders by naming a group and saying one of the members of that group is under investigation for a crime of such and such. He listed a few examples, such as a mayor in the south, an MK of a certain party and so on. He said placing the shadow of blame on 20 people when only one of them is guilty is problematic. He went on to explain that he is worried the new changes in this bill will force the media to widen their scope and imply that groups of hundreds of people might be guilty. He alleged this bill is most likely the wish of Foreign Minister Liberman (Y.B.) who is instructing his lackey, Rotem, to pass a bill that will help Liberman hide from guilt. He concluded by saying it is better for the guilt to be placed on one person and not on a whole group of people.

Energy and Water Minister Landau (Y.B.) explained the police have brought up one objection. He said the objection will require the defendant’s lawyer to apply for gag orders of over 48 hours instead of the police.

Chairman Rotem responded the bill is well balanced and dismissed the criticism from the opposition, claiming the courts will most likely not grant gag orders of over 48 hours and the press is allowed to appeal all decisions. He agreed with the objection Minister Landau presented and called on the Knesset to reject the others.

The bill’s paragraphs passed their second readings 21-8 and 21-8.

The opposition’s objections were defeated 7-22, 8-22, and 8-21.

The coalition’s objection was passed 22-6.

The bill passed its third reading 21-8.

Temporary Provision Amendment to the Prevention of Infiltration Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Cohen reported that illegal immigration has become an epidemic. In 2011, 16,000 illegals entered Israel. The 3,000 that entered Israel just in December show that the trend is becoming very troubling. He announced that the southern border fence with Egypt will be completed by the end of 2012 and will help reduce illegal immigration from 2013 and onwards. He said he was presenting this government bill as a way to deal with the situation for 2012, until the fence is completed. He explained the new temporary provisions for the next three years would enable the government to take certain actions against illegal immigrants, including holding them for more than two months in a government facility and various deportation methodologies. He agreed that the bill overall introduces harsher laws but maintained that everything is in line with the Geneva Convention and other international agreements. He asked the MKs to reject all of the objections to the bill.

MK Khenin warned the bill is very dangerous. He noted that he had enough objections to stay on the podium for nine hours and twenty minutes but has agreed to a deal that would limit him to a 100-minute filibuster. He spent his 100 minutes ripping the very complicated bill apart, with his main objection that the bill violates human rights. He went on to give many examples. He also got into shouting matches with the bill’s supporters in order to pass time.

MK Horowitz spent fifteen minutes agreeing with Khenin and sharpening his points.

MK Gal-On talked for twelve minutes and took over where Horowitz had stopped in terms of sharpening Khenin’s arguments against the bill.

MK Yachimovich (Labor) explained her party’s four objections to the bill by repeating some of Khenin’s arguments.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) rejected comparisons between this bill and the Holocaust. He went on to express his support for the bill and gave many reasons why he feels illegal immigrants are a problem.

MK Katzeleh (N.U.) expressed his support for the bill, praising it and opposing the objections.

MK Molla (Kadima) expressed his opposition to the bill and said Israel should find other ways to stop illegal immigration. He agreed with Hadash, Meretz and Labor’s objections to the bill.

MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) expressed his support for the bill in its entirety. He agreed that it is a dangerous bill but said it would be more dangerous not to support the bill. He lectured Molla and rejected most of his faction member’s speeches.

MK Abesadze (Kadima) supported Molla and slammed Hasson for five minutes.

Chairman Cohen defended the bill by stressing it is a temporary provision for only three years and upon completion of the fence the government is allowed to terminate it. He particularly screamed at Molla for talking nonsense, not reading the law and making a salad of illegal immigrants and terrorists. He noted how many illegals are stealing jobs and how certain cities are losing their Jewish flavor, like Eilat, which is now 20% illegals. He warned that if this bill isn’t passed the country will be lost.

Industry and Trade Minister Simhon (Independence) presented a few government objections to the bill that he asked be included in the final version. He screamed at MK Khenin for wasting the Knesset’s time with a pointless filibuster.

Chairman Cohen returned to the podium and asked the MKs not to support the government objections.

Speaker Rivlin and Prime Minister Netanyahu got into an exchange on the government objections, and Netanyahu agreed to pull them.

The bill’s paragraphs passed their second readings 37-9, 37-9, 39-7, 36-9 and 39-9.

The objections to the bill were defeated 9-36-1, 9-37, 9-37 and 2-40. All other objections were withdrawn.

The bill passed its third reading 37-8.

Amendment to the Knesset Bill

House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) announced the amendment will fix technical loopholes in the Knesset Bill. He said the bill will only allow political parties to join factions instead of movements and other extinct political bodies.

The bill passed its second reading 14-0.

The bill passed its third reading 15-0.

Amendment to the Local Authorities Elections Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Cohen explained the amendment would allow the chairman of a polling station to determine if a voter needs another person to assist them in the voting process and would give the chairman the power to authorize an assistant to help the disabled person vote. He explained that the present law allows anybody to have an assistant help them vote, which results in people abusing that power to make sure the voter casts a certain vote.

The bill passed its second reading 11-0.

The bill passed its third reading 11-0.

Amendment to the Absorption of Discharged Soldiers Bill

MK Matalon (Y.B.) explained the amendment would gradually increase soldiers’ release grants until it reaches NIS 20,000 for three-year soldiers in the year 2016.

The bill passed its first reading 8-0 and was sent to the Labor Committee.

Amendment to the Municipal Taxes and Government Fees Ordinance Bill

MK Gilon (Meretz) explained his amendment would grant a municipal property tax exemption for any institution that houses mentally disabled people who are either employed, in training or in rehabilitation. He said people who employ or house mentally disabled people deserve a full municipal tax break. He noted the bill will cost about two million shekels annually.

MK Ben Ari said he is against all three bills. He said that giving tax exceptions to certain groups hurts the municipality and the other citizens. He said everyone should pay municipal taxes with no exceptions. He agreed to support the bill until the government takes away exceptions from all minority groups.

The bill passed its first reading 8-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

Amendment to the Municipal Taxes and Government Fees Ordinance Bill

MK Khenin explained his amendment would grant a municipal property tax exemption for any institution that houses disabled citizens who are either employed, in training or in rehabilitation.

The bill passed its first reading 8-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

Amendment to the Municipal Taxes and Government Fees Ordinance Bill

MK Gilon explained MK Haim Katz’s municipal property tax exemption for institutions that house disabled citizens who are not capable of employment. He stated that this bill will cost less than 5 million shekels. He explained that the reason the three bills are separate is that the funding of the idea is split among three bills in order to achieve government support.

The bill passed its first reading 8-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s January 9, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/00249412.doc

The Knesset’s Wednesday session lasted about nine hours. Fourteen bills were discussed. Three bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings, six were defeated and five votes were postponed in order to avoid defeat. The bills advanced will force supermarkets to use electronic price displays, close a loophole that allows certain institutions to hire sex offenders as consultants, and define under Israeli law what ‘affordable housing’ really means. Eleven motions were also discussed.

Non-Bills Summary

* Homefront Defense Minister Vilnai (Independence), Justice Minister Neeman, Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.), Culture and Sport Minister Livnat (Likud) and Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) answered urgent queries at the beginning of the session.

* 11 motions were discussed on a wide range of topics. Nine of the motions were sent for further discussion in the various Knesset committees by the votes 17-0, 14-0, 11-1, 7-1, 6-0, 5-0, 6-0, 6-0 and 9-0. One motion was not voted on. A motion on the Quartet-sponsored resumption of peace talks with the Palestinians in Jordan was defeated 3-4 and will not be discussed further.

* Justice Minister Neeman answered three queries at the end of the session.

Bills Summary

 

Amendment to the Consumer Protection Bill

MK Matalon (Y.B.) explained his amendment would force all supermarkets to post prices for every item on the shelves using an electronic barcode and display. He said this new law will prevent gaps in prices between the sticker and the checkout. He said it will also help people with bad eyesight see the prices more clearly and the green aspect is saving trees by preventing the use of stickers.

Industry and Trade Minister Simhon (Independence) explained his ministry is against this bill but a ministers’ majority has awarded it government support. He asked the Knesset to approve the bill, despite the fact that the government doesn’t really want the bill to advance.

Speaker Rivlin pondered why the government would vote for a bill that they oppose.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 32-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

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

MK Orlev (J.H.) explained his amendment would prohibit people who work in an institution to directly or indirectly hire a sex offender. He said the current loophole of indirectly hiring a sex offender as a contractor must be closed.

Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitch (Y.B.) expressed government support for the bill.

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

Achievable Housing Bill

MK Amnon Cohen (Shas) explained his original bill would define “achievable affordable housing” under Israeli law. He stated that certain areas will be designated as such for a twenty year period and contractors will be given incentives to build smaller apartments in those areas.

MK Bar-On (Kadima) charged that Cohen’s bill is a collection of Kadima bills that were opposed by the government. He said it is unacceptable that the government opposes the same text when it is from the opposition but supports it when it comes from the coalition.

Housing and Construction Minister Atias (Shas) said there is great importance in defining “achievable affordable housing” under Israeli law and expressed government support for the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 53-0 and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee will discuss the bill.

Return of Akrit and Biram Residents and their Descendents to their Homes Bill

MK Barakeh (Hadash) explained his original bill would allow former Arab residents of Biram and Akrit and their descendents to return to their homes. He noted a 1951 Supreme Court decision that ordered the Israeli government to comply with the Arabs’ request for their right of return. He stated his bill would enforce the Supreme Court decision and promises by the Israeli military of 1948/9. He reported that Biram’s former residents are Israeli citizens and are not living in other countries.

Bureaucracy Minister Eitan (Likud) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that Israel needs to remain a Jewish and democratic state. He said that if Jews are evacuated from Gush Katif under that reasoning, then Arabs who were evacuated from their homes hold under the same reasoning.

MK Barakeh dismissed Eitan’s suggestion that government support of the bill would hurt Israel’s demographics since moving Israeli citizens from Haifa to Biram has nothing to do with demographics. He also rejected the comparison with Gush Katif’s former residents, claiming the Katif residents were outside of Israel’s borders.

The bill was defeated 15-51-1.

Basic Law: Judiciary

MK Katzeleh (N.U.) explained his amendment to the Basic Judiciary Law would define when there could be judicial review of the validity of a law. He noted the dozens of MKs from the opposition and coalition that support the bill. He said that it is unacceptable that the Supreme Court can cancel Knesset laws without clear regulations on when the Supreme Court possesses the right to do so. He announced this amendment will define when the Supreme Court can overturn a bill and when it cannot.

Justice Minister Neeman expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that it limits the Supreme Court’s ability to cancel Knesset laws. He said this is a sensitive and delicate matter and the Knesset shouldn’t approve this bill.

MK Katzeleh listed the names of all of the co-sponsors and supporters. He noted Coalition Chairman Elkin (Likud) was not around so the coalition should vote as they wish.

The bill was defeated 3-43.

Amendment to the Business Licensing Bill

MK Zuaretz (Kadima) explained her amendment would regulate spa and massage business licenses. She said that currently the police are not involved in the business license, which creates a loophole that leads to spa/massage prostitution rings. She noted that Israel is among the leading human trafficking countries and this will help lower Israel on that list. She asked why the police are involved in alcohol licenses but not spa licenses. She regretted the government’s opposition to the bill and agreed to postpone the vote on the bill in order to lobby for support.

Amendment to the Traffic Ordinance Bill

MK Molla (Kadima) explained his amendment would grant an exemption to veterans for their driver’s license registration payment. He charged that if a coalition member had proposed the bill it would have passed. He went on to blast the Kiryat Malachi residents who refuse to sell their homes to Ethiopians. He spoke several minutes on the subject.

Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) announced he supported Molla on the Kiryat Malachi incident and on this bill. He stated the government chose by a majority to oppose the bill on budgetary grounds.

MK Molla said it is unacceptable that the government will charge soldiers and veterans a registration payment they can’t afford.

The bill was defeated 26-37.

Amendment to the Tenders Bill

MK Solodkin (Kadima) explained her amendment would require the representation in government tenders of small and medium-sized enterprises and companies of up to 100 employees. She noted that 97% of Israel’s businesses fit that description and they employ 1.5 million of the 2.7 million salaried workers in Israel’s private sector.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that many medium and small businesses are already part of government tenders. He stated there is no reason to pass the bill. He added that affirmative action for small businesses will hurt the customers, who care the most about the final product.

MK Solodkin said her bill is the ABCs of capitalism, the protection of small businesses.

The bill was defeated 24-37.

Social Housing Bill

MK Solodkin announced this is the fifth time she is bringing up her original bill this term and she expects this will be the fifth time it is defeated. She said 50,000 of the 53,000 waiting in line for public housing are immigrants, many of whom have been in line for a decade. She said it is unacceptable to bring over immigrants and not find them housing. She said it is cheaper in the long run to give the poor free social housing instead of paying their rent month after month. She charged the lack of public housing is causing young couples to live with their parents. She concluded that her bill calls for eight percent of all Israeli projects to be set aside for social housing.

Housing and Construction Minister Atias said he agrees with the intention of the bill but the implementation of the bill is lacking. He said that social housing has been on a decline for over twenty years and he is the only one who has increased it over that time. He said that a similar bill proposed by MK Azoulay (Shas), signed by over 50 MKs, doesn’t cost as much money as Solodkin’s bill and that is a version he plans on supporting. He said those waiting in line are having their rent paid and eventually they will move in to their homes.

The bill was defeated 28-35.

Amendment to the Security Service Bill

Homefront Security Minister Vilnai (Independence) responded to MK Yisrael Hasson’s bill that was presented at a previous date on the conditions for women’s exemption from the army for reasons of religious conviction. He called on MK Hasson to postpone the vote on the bill for another three weeks for the government version of the bill.

MK Yisrael Hasson (Kadima) slammed the government version and said it was unacceptable that the soldiers will stalk 40% of each women’s class every Sabbath to make sure they are really religious. He slammed the coalition for opposing his bill and supporting a more extreme version by the government.

Coalition Chairman Elkin (Likud) responded to MK Hasson and told him he doesn’t understand the government version at all.

The bill was defeated 26-36-9.

Amendment to the Inspection of Commodity Prices and Services Bill

MK Gafni (U.T.J.) revealed that he asked the government to oppose the previous bill and once again it proves how the government has no guts and does what he asks. He said if Kadima didn’t attack the ultra-orthodox he would have brought down the government and gone with Kadima into the next government. He revealed that after the elections he wanted to go with Livni instead of Netanyahu but Livni screwed it up. He explained his amendment would force the government to supervise health food products, such as whole wheat products. He slammed the government for opposing his bill and said it must be because he has caused political problems for the government lately. He stated the health ministry agrees to the bill. He agreed to postpone the vote on the bill in order to give the government time to come around.

Three Amendments to the Construction and Evacuation of Development Zones

MK Michaeli (Shas) explained the government supported his amendment but the finance minister appealed the decision and the decision will be postponed for one week. He stated the amendment would allow Kfar Shalem residents the money due to them based on the Evacuation Building Bill. He slammed previous government officials that have prevented giving the residents what they deserve under law. MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) criticized Michaeli for not doing anything for Kfar Shalem’s residents, who happen to be his voters. Michaeli rejected Hasson’s claims.

MK Akunis (Likud) explained his similar amendment would accomplish the same exact thing. He slammed the bureaucrats who have burried this law for decades. He stressed that bureaucrats shouldn’t decide in policy matters which laws they follow and which they choose not to follow. He slammed MK Yoel Hasson for not fixing the situation when Kadima was in charge last term.

MK Gilon (Meretz) explained his similar amendment is just as important as the first two. He slammed Likud, Kadima and Shas. He said that he doesn’t believe any of the amendments will ever pass.

The votes on all three bills were postponed in order to gather government support.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s January 4, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/00154512.doc