Jeremy's Knesset Insider

Tuesday’s session lasted about three hours. Three bills were discussed. Two bills were advanced after passing their first readings and one became law after passing its third reading. The new law updates the religious Druze courts to match the Jewish courts. One of the advanced bills will allow tax deductions for selected social, culture and welfare programs. The other advanced bill will allow the extension of visas for foreign workers who work as nurses in certain cases.

Non-Bills Summary

• 16 MKs took part in the one-minute speech segment of the day. The main topic was the massacre in Itamar.
• A motion on National Science Day was discussed by Speaker Rivlin, Science Minister Hershkowitz (J.H.) and five other MKs. The motion wasn’t voted on.
• A motion on the BBC poll that found Israel is the most hated country in the world was discussed by three MKs and Hasbara Minister Edelstein (Likud).
• House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) announced that MK Mofaz would fill a vacancy on a Justice sub-committee.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Religious Druze Court Bill

Law, Constitution and Justice Committee Chairman Rotem (Y.B.) explained the amendment would update the Druze Courts Bill to match various portions of the Jewish Courts Bill. He noted that there haven’t been many changes to the bill over the last 40 years and this bill will help the courts operate more efficiently.

The bill passed its second reading 9-0.

The bill passed its third reading 9-0.

MK Amar (Y.B.) thanked the government for supporting the bill and for giving the Druze Bill its first facelift since 1962. He thanked the other Druze MKs Whbee (Kadima), Naffaa (Balad) and Deputy Minister Kara (Likud) for co-sponsoring the bill with him.

Amendment to the Wage Protection Bill

MK Yacimovich (Labor) explained that the amendment would allow tax deductions for those who donate to selected social, culture and welfare programs.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) supported the bill. He went on to talk about the anniversary of Joseph Trumpeldor’s death and the Tel Chai massacre of eight Jews by the hands of Arabs in 1920. He stated we pay a heavy price for settling our land. He concluded by quoting Trumpeldor, “No matter, it is good to die for our country”.

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

Amendment to the Entry into Israel Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Azoulay (Shas) explained that the amendment would allow a foreign worker who works in nursing to receive a visa extension if the patient being cared for is near death. He hoped this would put the patients at ease and add extra time to their lives by having a good quality nurse for the remainder of their life. He added that a committee will be in charge of choosing which case is worthy and which is not.

MK Ben Ari suggested that by helping the elderly patients he is harming the country by extending the foreigners’ visas. He warned the longer a foreigner stays in Israel, the longer the country is in danger of having them get married and staying here permanently. He announced that he would oppose the bill.

The bill passed its first reading 6-1 and was sent to the Interior Committee.

Monday’s session lasted about three hours and forty minutes. Eight bills were discussed. Six bills became law after passing their third readings and two were advanced after passing their first readings. The highlight bills of the day were a new law that will remove all unnecessary minefields and a new law that eases the judges’ workload by 25% at the expense of reducing defendants’ rights. The latter is one of only two government bills during this entire term to be defeated at one point. In both cases the government eventually managed to pull a majority together to advance them and eventually pass them at a later date.

Non-Bills Summary

• 15 MKs discussed an urgent motion on the Itamar Massacre. The motion to discuss the matter further in the plenum so other MKs would have a chance to talk was passed 16-0.
• The Knesset approved the transfer of certain powers from Agriculture Minister Noked (Independence) to Industry and Trade Minister Simhon (Independence) by a vote of 16-0.
• The Knesset approved the Finance Committee’s request to split a bill into two bills by a vote of 12-0.
• House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) announced which disputed bills will be discussed in which committees.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Criminal Procedure Bill

Law, Constitution and Justice Committee Chairman Rotem (Y.B.) explained that his amendment would extend the enforcement powers of the police to keep a prisoner under arrest for up to 90 days without seeing a judge, after he saw a judge in his first 96 hours. He added that the bill would also prohibit the second appeal to sentencing, which prisoners are currently allowed by law. He concluded by explaining this bill will reduce the judges’ workload by up to 25%.

MK Khenin (Hadash) expressed his five objections to the bill. He said we all want to reduce the judges’ workload, but this bill reduces the rights of every citizen. He asked how a democratic country can keep a prisoner in jail for 90 days without seeing a judge, after he has been charged, but before he has a chance to be proven innocent. He blasted the clause that takes away the democratic right to a second appeal. He stated this bill does the opposite of protecting the defendant as innocent until proven guilty. He blasted the clause where a person can be found guilty and not be sentenced for up to nine months. He attacked the bill as a violation of the basic right of freedom by removing several key meetings of a trial and extending the time a defendant waits for his trial to finish.

The bill’s paragraphs passed their second readings 38-3, 37-3 and 36-3.

MK Khenin’s objections were defeated 2-34, 3-36 and 3-32. He agreed to withdraw his last two objections after it became clear they would also be defeated.

The bill passed its third reading 36-3.

Amendment to the Disengagement Plan Implementation Bill

Funds Committee Chairman Gafni (U.T.J.) explained that the bill would add those who rented in Gush Katif for over two years before being evicted from their home to become part of the compensation plan and receive assistance towards housing. He stressed that this bill is important because these people are still living in caravans and have gone through trauma from years of neglect. Gafni said he agreed with Oron’s objection but the government doesn’t have the money for it, so he asks the coalition to oppose it.

MK Oron (Meretz) explained that his objection would add a clause to the bill that enables the financial compensation of 41 people who owned factories or buildings in the Erez Crossing and were forced to evacuate them by the order of former Prime Minister Olmert a few years after the disengagement. He complained it isn’t fair that these people evacuated without causing problems, had their lives torn apart, and now have nothing to show for it because they didn’t live there, they only worked there.

The bill passed its paragraphs in the second reading 38-0-1 and 37-0-1.

MK Oron’s objection was defeated 4-28.

The bill passed its third reading 38-0-1.

Evacuation of Minefields Bill

MK Bar-On (Kadima) reported that former MK Hanegbi (Kadima) and his 72 co-sponsors signed the bill after meeting a child who lost his leg on a field trip in the Golan last year. Bar-On stated that the bill creates a committee that would be charged with removing all unnecessary mines. He stressed that the land will be able to be used for national parks and reserves or other public purposes. He thanked Prime Minister Netanyahu for supporting the bill.

The bill passed its second reading 43-0.

The bill passed its third reading 43-0.

Expanding the Fair Representation of Women Bill

MK Itzik (Kadima) explained that the amendment would demand that every government committee have at least one female member.

MK Ben-Ari (N.U.) blasted the Arab MKs who called Palestinian terrorists “freedom fighters”. He slammed the Arab MKs who called for the release of terrorists. He attacked the government for not building the 400 approved housing units in Itamar.

MK Zeev (Shas) opposed the bill on the grounds that it will complicate the committee selection process. He asked what would happen if there are no qualified women who can be appointed to the committee and whether that would that prevent the committee from being founded. He noted that we had a female Prime Minister Meir, a current female opposition leader and several female candidates for the President, such as former Speaker Itzik. He concluded by saying that the bill discriminates against men.

MK Wilf (Independence) said she supported the bill. She hoped this bill would give a push to the current system to choose talented women who are not well-known and would not have had a chance without this bill to be appointed to a committee.

MK Eichler (U.T.J.) asked why the government supports this bill and a similar bill for Arabs, but opposes the Expanding the Fair Representation of Haredim Bill. He asked how they can claim that they can’t approve the bill because they disagree over who is considered Haredi, but when it comes to bills that discriminate against the Haredim everything works out.

MK Ilatov (Y.B.) supported the bill and noted that one-third of his party’s MKs are female.

MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) supported the bill and called himself a feminist. He went on to tell the people of Itamar that the “country” of Tel Aviv is with them and are condemning the massacre and demanding justice for the killers.

The bill passed its first reading 22-1 and was sent to the Women’s Rights Committee. MK Shamalov Berkovich (Kadima) announced that she opposed the bill by mistake, but the MKs heckled her claiming she opposed the bill on purpose.

Amendment to the Israel Economic Recovery Program to Achieve Budget Targets of Economic Policy for Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004 Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz (Likud) explained that the amendment would exempt New Zealand workers from various taxes. He stated this would help Israelis hire New Zealand workers because of the tax break.

The bill passed its second reading 21-0.

The bill passed its third reading 21-0.

Amendment to the Land Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Azoulay (Shas) explained that the amendment would require an apartment to have a Shabbat elevator even if it is the only elevator in the building in the event that 51% of the residents approve the measure. He added that 100% of the building would be required to pay for the Shabbat elevator expenses, even if they opposed the Shabbat elevator.

The bill passed its second reading 18-0.

The bill passed its third reading 19-0.

MK Orbach (J.H.) thanked the Knesset for approving the law. He noted it took him two years to gain support for it. He thanked MK Ilatov for helping him find a solution that will work for both religious and secular residents.

Amendment to the Energy Sources Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Azoulay explained that the amendment would require the government to implement conservation programs in its energy plants (water, electricity, gas, etc), and add additional security protocols to protect the plants and their workers.

MK Khenin called the bill an energy revolution that will conserve energy and protect the environment. He hoped this bill would bring Israel another step closer to energy independence. He thanked MK Ilatov for convincing the government to drop its objections to the bill.

The bill passed its second reading 17-0.

The bill passed its third reading 18-0.

Amendment to the Patents Bill

Agriculture Minister Noked (Independence) explained that the amendment would create a national authority that would maintain an index to be used for searches of all of Israel’s patents.

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

Last Wednesday’s session lasted about eight hours. Ten bills were discussed. Four bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings, five were defeated and one was turned into a motion in order to avoid defeat. The highlight bill of the day was one that would prohibit discrimination based on a citizen’s place of residence. Two bills that would raise the permitted minimum age for marriage from 17 to 18 were defeated.

Non-Bills Summary

• Home-front Defense Minister Vilnai (Independence), Culture and Sport Minister Livnat (Likud) and Justice Minister Neeman answered urgent queries.
• Speaker Rivlin welcomed Kenya’s Speaker of the House with a warm speech.
• Six of the nine motions discussed passed by the votes 9-7, 4-3, 9-0, 19-0, 8-0 and 3-0. The other three motions were not voted on.
• Coalition Chairman Elkin (Likud) announced the House Committee’s decision on which committees will discuss which disputed bills.
• Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.) and Housing and Construction Minister Atias (Shas) answered queries.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Establishing Museums and Canceling Restrictions on the Boards of the Centers that are in Commemoration of the Memory of Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Rabin Bill

MK Levin (Likud) explained that his amendment would allow members of the board in both centers to serve more than one term in their positions.

Culture and Sport Minister Livnat (Likud) expressed government support for the bill.

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

Amendment to the Prohibition of Discrimination in Products, Services and Entry to Entertainment and Public Places Bill

MK Orbach (J.H.) explained that his amendment would add the prohibition of discrimination based on place of residence to the bill’s list of offenses. He explained that there are companies that charge extra fees for entering Judea and Samaria, as well as Israeli Arab towns.

Justice Minister Neeman expressed government support for the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 33-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

Two Amendments to the Marriage Age Bill

MK Zoabi (Balad) explained that her amendment would raise the legal age of marriage without parental consent from 17 to 18. She called this a feminist bill that should be supported by all female MKs, especially the day after International Women’s Day. She stated that young marriages are usually forced upon these women, specifically in the Arab and Haredi populations. She asked how the government could support high school students getting married. She noted that today 25% of Arab women get married with parental consent under the age of 17. She cited statistics that 10,800 of the 13,300 minors under the age of 17 who were married were Arab. She rejected claims that minors getting married are a tradition or religious practice. She concluded by revealing that the Israeli Rabbinate supports the bill.

MK Khenin (Hadash) explained that his similar bill prohibits the marriage of minors. He blasted the current minimum age of 17 for marriage as not respectable for a modern country. He noted that in almost all western countries the minimum age for marriage is 18. He added that his bill allows a few exceptions to the rule through which 17-year-olds would be allowed to be married with court approval.

Justice Minister Neeman expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that the government is planning its own bill that includes different legal terms and wording. He agreed that the age must be raised to 18.

MK Zoabi asked that the government approve the bill in the preliminary reading and said she will attach it to the government bill when it is presented. The request was rejected.

MK Khenin asked that the government allow the two bills to be voted on at a later time, perhaps when the government brings their own bill. That request was rejected as well.

The first bill was defeated 10-39.

The second bill was defeated 8-40.

Amendment to the Israel National Toll Road Bill/Motion

MK Tibi (R.T.) explained that his amendment would grant a 50% discount for drivers who use a toll road when there is construction work on the road. He stated the point of a toll road is that it brings the driver to his destination faster, and the constant construction on route six is currently making that drive longer. He noted that in the ministerial committee of legislative affairs his bill fell by a vote of 4-6. He asked that the coalition MKs not kill a bill that was opposed by one vote. He slammed the government for supporting business mogul Leviev’s pocket and not the pockets of over a million citizens.

Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) opposed the bill on the grounds that this bill would cause the government to breach its contract with the company that runs the road. He added that in a situation where the government would breach contract the taxpayers would be forced to pay more money to compensate the company that runs the road than what the bill would save them.

MK Tibi asked if the government plans on changing the contract in a way that a compromise can be achieved.

Transportation Minister Katz suggested turning the bill into a motion in order to discuss the important matter further. MK Tibi agreed.

The motion passed 31-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

Amendment to the Value Added Tax Bill

MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) explained that his amendment would grant an exemption on VAT for young couples who are purchasing their first apartment for up to NIS 1.3 million. He stated that this is an easy quick fix that will lower the price of smaller apartments by 16% instantly. He spent the rest of his time blasting Netanyahu and his building policies.

Finance Minister Steinitz (Likud) started by blasting Hasson for using the family members of the Carmel fire victims for political leverage over Netanyahu. He went on to ask Hasson why he didn’t propose this bill in the previous term when Kadima was in power. He stated that the cost of this bill is 400 million and that he is not willing to cut the education or welfare budget to pay for it. He noted that the government went up from approving 32,000 housing units last year to 40,000 units this year.

MK Hasson defended his decision to bring the family members of the Carmel fire victims to meet with Netanyahu. He explained that Netanyahu had refused to meet them otherwise. He went on to attack Steinitz for tearing apart his bill without offering a different solution for young couples who are looking to purchase their first home.

The bill was defeated 25-40.

Amendment to the Income Tax Bill

MK Tirosh (Kadima) explained that her amendment would allow citizens to receive a tax deduction for mortgage interest on apartments that are worth less than NIS 1 million. She stated that few people meet the standards needed to enjoy this deduction, but those few people who do are very poor people and need this tax break badly. She noted that Ministers Erdan, Margi and Noked were among several MKs who proposed this bill in the past, and she asked all of the bill’s former sponsors to support the bill.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that the bill will cost over NIS 100 million a year. He added that the bill doesn’t preclude rich people from buying properties worth less than NIS 1 million and receiving the deduction.

MK Tirosh called Cohen’s speech pathetic and insulting. She said all she heard was “blah, blah, blah”, and it sounded like just about every speech the government gives to oppose a bill. She said that the public isn’t stupid and will see right through it.

The bill was defeated 28-43.

Amendment to the Army Veterans Absorption Bill

MK Plesner (Kadima) explained that his amendment would include Jerusalem in the defined region assistance plans that the government offers citizens. He blasted Netanyahu for not living up to his political campaign promise of every soldier receiving their first year of university free of charge. He read off Knesset protocols of the previous time he proposed this bill with Minister Margi, Deputy Speaker Gamliel and Speaker Rivlin assuring they would support this bill if brought up again six months later if the government doesn’t implement his bill. Plesner said after six months of nothing he chose to bring up a small part of the bill that includes only Jerusalem, and even that is being opposed by the hypocrite government. He read off Netanyahu’s speech from Jerusalem Day, where he promised to pass a bill identical to the bill being proposed today. He called Netanyahu a serial liar who doesn’t care about anything and doesn’t live up to anything he says. He blasted Netanyahu for cutting Jerusalem’s budget and for freezing Jerusalem’s construction. He was told by Netanyahu’s messengers that he should wait a bit longer with the bill. He asked if anyone really believes a word Netanyahu says.

Home-front Defense Minister Vilnai (Independence) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that the government plans on proposing their own extensive bill that will be presented by Jerusalem Day of this year.

MK Plesner read off Knesset protocols of Vilnai’s false promises on several bills that Vilnai claimed the government was opposing because of extensive bills that were supposed to be presented at a later date and never were.

Speaker Rivlin interrupted Deputy Speaker Akunis (Likud) and corrected Plesner, who had quoted him out of context. Plesner responded that it doesn’t matter because he still said it.

The bill was defeated 20-33.

Amendment to the Retirement Age Bill

MK Oron (Meretz) explained his amendment would put off the automatic increase in the retirement age of women from 62 to 64 and of men from 65 to 67. His bill proposes a joint public and MK committee to discuss the issue before it takes effect in the beginning of 2012. He thanked Ministers Livnat and Noked, who helped him achieve government support for the bill. He revealed that over the past three days the government changed its mind and he lost government support.

Culture and Sport Minister Livnat got up to kill time until Steinitz returned to the room in order to avoid a vote where the government might lose.

Finance Minister Steinitz explained that he agrees to the committee but disagrees with Oron on who its members should be.

MK Haim Katz (Likud), one of the bill’s co-sponsors and chairman of the Labor Committee, said he made an agreement with MK Oron that if the bill is passed it will not be discussed for seven months in order to give the government time to pass its own version of the bill. Steinitz agreed.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 24-0 and was sent to the Labor Committee.

Amendment to the Rights of Public Housing Tenants Bill

MK Avraham Balila (Kadima) explained that her amendment would grant rights to both sides of a couple who separate and live in public housing. She stated that perhaps if the three different women who were murdered this week had rights, they would have found a way out instead of staying trapped. She thanked the government who finally came to their senses and agreed to support the bill.

Housing and Construction Minister Atias (Shas) expressed government support for the bill after he revealed that Avraham Balila agreed to bend on some of the articles of the bill and that the government will have their say in the committee.

MK Zeev (Shas) opposed the bill on the grounds that the bill puts the women’s rights over the children’s rights, something which he said is very dangerous as part of an arrangement in which the couple is separated while awaiting divorce. He also noted that, under the bill, the country will lose out financially on couples who have obligations to the government.

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

Tuesday’s session lasted about three hours and fifteen minutes. No bills were discussed. The Knesset celebrated International Women’s Day with a special motion on the topic. It was also the main topic during the one-minute speech segment. MK Tiviaev (Kadima) handed a flower to every women he encountered, and the female MKs brought the flowers in with them to the plenum while they were giving their speeches. In other news, Finance Committee Chairman Shama (Likud) will become a full member of the Funds Committee.

Non-Bills Summary

• 19 MKs participated in the one minute speech segment, with International Women’s Day being the main topic.
• House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) announced his committee’s decisions on which disputed bills will be discussed in which committees. He also announced that MK Shama (Likud) will replace MK Wilf (Independence) in the Funds Committee.
• Speaker Rivlin, Women’s Rights Committee Chairwomen Hotovely (Likud), Minister Livnat (Likud) and 11 other MKs discussed the motion on International Women’s Day. The motion was not voted on.
• National Infrastructure Minister Landau (Y.B.) answered queries at the end of the session.

Monday’s session lasted about six hours and forty-five minutes. Seven bills were discussed. Four bills became law after passing their third readings, and three bills were advanced after passing their first readings. The long day was highlighted by two of the bills advanced. The first bill would fine those who boycott Israel financially, culturally or academically. The second bill would revoke Israeli citizenship of terrorists and those who spy for the enemy. Both bills were debated in a heated environment by the right and left.

Non-Bills Summary

• Kadima’s no-confidence motion titled ‘Netanyahu’s tax burden causes the collapse of the middle and lower classes’ was defeated 42-52 with 26 MKs not present.
• Labor and Meretz’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘The ongoing failure of handling firefighting in Israel, even after the disaster’ was defeated 42-52 with 26 MKs not present.
• The three Israeli-Arab parties’ joint no-confidence motion titled ‘The discriminatory policies of the government toward the Arab sector in all areas leading to serious consequences during this time of rapid changes occurring in the region’ was defeated 32-57 with 31 MKs not present.
• Three new government orders on customs tariffs and purchase tax on goods were passed 45-3, 47-2 and 49-0.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Companies Bill

Law, Constitution and Justice Committee Chairman Rotem (Y.B.) explained that the amendment would add several regulations to the authority of external board members in public companies, including their rights and obligations. Rotem called it a very important bill that will reform all stock market traded companies and bring them up to speed with the rest of the western countries.

The bill passed its second reading 39-1. Minister Begin (Likud) announced he had voted against the bill by mistake. Speaker Rivlin refused to change his vote.

The bill passed its third reading 35-0.

Amendment to the Real-Estate Property Tax Bill

Funds Committee Chairman Gafni (U.T.J.) explained that the amendment would force those who purchase a house to register and give a report on their new property and pay the real-estate tax. He stated that included in the bill is an updated list of the tax levels based on the size of the property, as well as an updated list on fines for not registering and reporting a new property.

The bill passed its second reading 28-0.

The bill passed its third reading 27-0.

Amendment to the Parks, Nature Reserves, National Sites and Monuments Bill

Interior and Environment Chairman Azoulay (Shas) explained that the amendment would grant the reimbursement of expenses to members of the Parks Natural Reserves and National Sites Assembly from the Environment Ministry budget, or in other words the taxpayers pocket.

The bill passed its second reading 37-0-1.

The bill passed its third reading 35-0-1.

Prevention of Harming Israel through Boycotts Bill

MK Elkin (Likud) explained that the amendment would define as a crime the financial, cultural or academic boycott of Israel either by a person or a group of people and require those who violate that crime to present financial compensation towards the Israeli citizens or Israeli companies that were harmed as a result of that boycott. He noted that in certain situations the court may ask the boycotters to pay a higher sum than the damage of the boycotts, and in other cases the court may determine a minimum sum if the company boycotted cannot prove how much money they lost as a result of the boycott. He added that the final section of the bill determines that an Israeli private company that boycotts Israel or exempts Judea and Samaria intentionally will be prohibited from receiving any government contracts. He expressed hope that this bill will send a message that Israelis boycotting Israel is not acceptable. He concluded by surprising the MKs present with the information that this bill is almost identical to the current law in the United States, with the exclusion that the punishment in America for these crimes is a five-year jail sentence. He revealed that the United Kingdom has a similar law. This resulted in heckling from MK Oron. Elkin responded that it is about time that Israel stops being the suckers of the world and called on the MKs, especially his Kadima co-sponsors who have caught cold feet, to support the bill.

MK Itzik (Kadima) said that although she supported the bill in the preliminary reading, she wouldn’t vote for or against the bill in this reading. She said that she was disappointed about the changes in the bill that were made in the committee and surprised that the bill is up for a first reading before determining the definition of boycott.

MK Ariel (N.U.) said that he supports the bill. He asked MK Elkin if included in the bill will be those who are boycotting building in Ariel. He asked Deputy Minister Ayalon (Y.B.) if included in this bill will be those who are boycotting building homes for those evacuated from Gush Katif in Ariel. He asked MK Michaeli (Shas) if included in the bill will be those who are boycotting building for the Haredi community in Beitar Ilit. He asked MK Rotem (Y.B.) if included in the bill will be those who are boycotting building in Efrat. He concluded by stating that the Likud is a lost cause and they should go home, because they have failed their voters. He was heckled by MK Oron.

MK Swaid (Hadash) opposed the bill that he said is meant to protect the conquering and occupation of the territories. He said that America doesn’t commit as many war crimes as Israel, and therefore the American law doesn’t make sense here in Israel. He called this bill a witch hunt that violates freedom of expression. He called it a dangerous bill from a dangerous extremist government. He concluded it by calling the bill racist and condemning it.

MK Khenin (Hadash) said that he supports every word that his predecessor said. He spoke out against the fact that the bill protects the settlements and products from settlements. He called on the public not to buy any products from the settlements. He stated that there is a difference between boycotting Israel and boycotting the settlements, and this bill misses that point entirely. He noted this bill is aimed directly at silencing Israeli organizations such as Gush Shalom that have lists online of all products produced in the settlements and calls for boycotting that list. He concluded by stating that a country that harms the rights of its minority is not a true democracy.

MK Agbaria (Hadash) called the bill a settler hallucinatory bill. He noted that Palestinian stores sell Israeli products but not settler products. He called the settlements illegal settlements on illegal land. He called the government extremist. He said that the whole world isn’t against Israel, they are just against the settlements, referring to the United Nations vote in which all of the countries except the United States condemned the settlements.

MK Zahalka (Balad) stated that this bill violates freedom of expression. He stressed this bill will not prevent people from boycotting Israel and it will only prevent them from publicizing the boycott. He stated that this bill is aimed against the Arabs and the Jewish left. He concluded by calling a boycott on Israeli products and by calling MK Elkin a dwarf.

MK Zoabi (Balad) quoted the BBC poll that places Israel as the least popular country in the world for the sixth straight year. She called the bill and the government racist. She said that it is Israel’s policy that results in the punishment of boycotts. She suggested that if Israel stops killing Palestinians, the boycotts might stop. She was heckled in response. She concluded by slamming the government’s policy of demolishing Arab homes.

MK Ganaim (R.T.) stated that he understands from the bill that whoever doesn’t accept Israel’s control on Judea and Samaria must be punished. He called it an outrage and blasted Israel’s attempt to prevent those who oppose the settlements and Israel’s policy of occupying territory from doing so.

MK El-Sana (R.T.) said the bill is an attempt to boycott the boycotters. He stated that the nations of the world will not accept the legitimacy of the occupation and this bill will not change anything. He suggested that Israel boycott Turkey and Iran and see how that goes. He warned that prohibiting passive measures of boycotting will lead to citizens joining terrorist organizations and carrying out attacks against Israelis.

MK Katzeleh (N.U.) stated that boycotting is a negative tactic and stressed he is opposed to boycotting Jews and Arabs alike. He noted that many Palestinians work in the Jewish settlements and industrial areas of Judea and Samaria. He praised them and their work. He went on to blast the Likud for the building freeze in Judea and Samaria. He concluded by expressing his support for the bill.

MK Tibi (R.T.) slammed Israelis for boycotting Turkey then turning around and complaining when someone boycotts them. He warned this bill will cause complications overseas and that is why the foreign ministry is opposing the bill. He noted the Israeli boycott of athletes and celebrities who support Palestinians. He called on the public to keep up the good work of boycotting Israeli products.

MK Oron (Meretz) called the bill a cowardly hypocritical bill. He said boycotting is a kosher and legitimate way of protesting against something. He warned that the Americans don’t want to see us pass the bill into law. He asked why the right is so paranoid and asked what it is they are afraid of.

MK Eldad (N.U.) noted that those who wish to boycott Israel are those who hate Israel, the enemies of Israel. He stated that among us are the loyal messengers of those enemies who are twisted hypocrites and they are poking holes out of the barrel of water from which they drink. He stressed this bill puts a limit to their Arab fascism against buying products from Jews. He wondered if the previous speakers really believed that freedom of expression applies to every single bill they wish to selectively oppose. He revealed that he is proud of the bill, despite the watered down version, and expressed hope that it will be strengthened before it comes up for its next reading. He concluded by praising the clause prohibiting government contracts for those companies that boycott.

MK Schneller (Kadima) called the boycott on Israel a mission to delegitimize Israel, and slammed those who are hiding behind the settlements as the true issue. He stressed that the boycott is on all of Israel, not the settlements, and asked where the patriots are. He called on all the true patriots to support the bill. He stressed that the issue of settlements is for negotiations and not for boycotting. He called on those who oppose the bill to support their country and support the bill. He called on Elkin to find a consensus with those who oppose the bill.

MK Levin (Likud) called this version of the bill a moderate one. He stated that someone who boycotts their own country deserves jail time, not a fine. He asked how MKs who are paid by the taxpayers of Israel can call from this podium to boycott Israel.  He called those MKs pathetic. He said that today we prove that we are no longer suckers by advancing the bill. He warned those who opposed the bill that one day they will have to choose if they are Israelis or Palestinians and stressed that it is impossible to be both.

MK Akunis (Likud) called this bill a just, moral, fair, nationalistic and measured bill. He asked how those who claim this bill is not democratic can do so if America and Britain have the same law. He noted that sometimes the principle of defensive democracy is called for, and this is one of those times. He noted that several MKs have called this bill undemocratic and stressed freedom of expression without looking at the reasons behind the proposal of the bill. He stated that those who oppose this bill risk putting several thousand Arabs out of work in the Barkan industrial area alone, and tens of thousands throughout all of Judea and Samaria. He added that boycotting Jews is how the holocaust in Europe started.  He called those who oppose the bill murderers of democracy and warned that Israel will use all of the legitimate tools of democracy to fight them and win.

MK Abesadze (Kadima) said this bill isn’t just, moral, fair, nationalistic or measured. She called herself a patriot who is against the McCarthyism of this extreme right settler government. She warned this bill will encourage Israelis to boycott the west, the Arabs, the left, and eventually even the right that isn’t extremist enough because they oppose this bill. She asked if Netanyahu, by bringing a peace treaty to Israelis, will be boycotting Israel and be considered a criminal.

MK Zeev (Shas) asked why there are those who support animal rights more than Israeli rights. He asked how people could boycott their own country. He slammed all of those who boycott Israel, such as the United Arab League. He warned that the Palestinian immigration to England will cause Islamic Jihad in 15 years in London. He blasted those who oppose the bill as those who are trying to use democracy against Israel. He condemned those who started boycotting Israel after several soldiers were killed in operation defensive shield in 2002.

MK Cabel (Labor) said that we have a country and shouldn’t worry about those who wish to boycott us. He blasted the original version of the bill that was passed in the preliminary reading, and said that although this version is more moderate, it isn’t moderate enough. He revealed that he doesn’t purchase products from the settlements, so he won’t vote for a bill that would turn him into a criminal. He stated that if the bill is changed to separate a boycott of Israel from a boycott of the conquered settlements in occupied territory, he would vote for it. He warned this bill would critically harm the democratic legitimacy of boycotting settlements.

Deputy Minister Kara (Likud) expressed his support for the bill and praised it. He noted that there is no reason for boycotting Israel, when even Syria purchases Israeli-grown oranges.

Environment Minister Erdan (Likud) expressed government support for the bill. He stressed there will be changes to the bill before it is brought up for its second reading. He said in the committee the MKs will find a balance between freedom of expression and defensive democracy.

The bill passed its first reading 32-12 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

MK El-Sana voted from MK Eichler’s (U.T.J.) seat by mistake. Deputy Speaker Tibi chose to keep the vote as it was and called that vote kosher.

Amendment to the Citizenship Bill

Law, Constitution and Justice Committee Chairman Rotem explained that the amendment would allow the Interior Minister to revoke citizenship if the court convicts a citizen of the following offenses: terrorism, war crimes, aiding and abetting the enemy during war-time, serving in an enemy army, spying against Israel and other offenses along the same lines. He noted international guidelines that state that if a citizen is not loyal to his country, that country may revoke the citizenship of that person. He stressed that under the bill, a person will be stripped of his citizenship but granted the status of a permanent resident, so he won’t be deported. He stated that this is a democratic bill that is law in most western countries. He quoted from the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.

MK Swaid asked why Rotem is selectively choosing to adopt this international convention and not the international convention against the occupation of the territories. He asked what good it is to revoke the citizenship of a person who receives a long jail sentence for spying against the State. He spoke out against the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and called it anti-democratic and a violation of the basic right of citizenship that is a right, not a privilege.

MK Zoabi quoted the United States Supreme Court decision that revoking citizenship is worse than execution. She assumed she was speaking to deaf ears because Arabs are enemies and the next bill will call on the courts to execute Arabs. She stated that human rights are considered illegal by this current Knesset. She warned that the Arab citizens are not Zionists and therefore it is almost a matter of time before all of their citizenships are revoked with a bulldozer. She called this a dangerous bill that turns citizenship into a political tool of intimidation. She stated that the Jewish MKs believe that all Arab citizens are threats that must be dealt with.

MK El-Sana stated that in the Jews’ eyes the Arabs don’t deserve their citizenship, and therefore there is no call to oppose this bill. He said that the Arabs were here in this land a long time before the Jews and will be here a long time after the Jews. MK Levin heckled him. El-Sana said that taking away citizenship is worse than cutting off a person’s arm. He called this punishment excessive, since taking rights away from a man in jail is pointless. He stated that the new criminal offenses are all political crimes. He concluded by calling the bill anti-democratic and warned that the Supreme Court will overrule it.

MK Oron said he never heard of this international accord and he opposes the bill. He warned this bill is against Arabs, since slain Prime Minister Rabin’s assassin, Yigal Amir, is not included in this bill. He asked why spying is worse than murder or rape.

MK Zeev warned that in every generation there is an Amalek that wants to destroy us and it is our destiny to defeat Amalek. He noted that any spy convicted should be able to get a citizenship with an enemy State of Israel after his Israeli citizenship is revoked. He slammed the clause that doesn’t call for the deportation of spies and terrorists after their citizenship is revoked. He called on Israel to call the bluff of those who pretend to be loyal to the State.

MK Levin stated that citizenship is a privilege not a right. He asked if the Arab MKs would prefer to move to Palestine after a state is created. When they didn’t answer, he answered for them that it seems they will keep their Israeli citizenship and stay inside Israel. He said there is a direct connection between the offenses listed on the international accord and the loyalty of a citizen to his country. He concluded by calling it a good bill and a fair bill that is in the right place in a Jewish democratic state.

National Infrastructure Minister Landau (Y.B.) responded to MK Oron that Yigal Amir should be executed. He added that this is a country for Jews and not for those who wish to attack Jews. He asked the Balad MKs why they want to be citizens of Israel if they are so busy condemning and boycotting it. MK Zahalka heckled in response, resulting in Landau choosing to express government support for the bill and step down from the podium.

The bill passed its first reading 26-12 and was sent to the Interior Committee.

Amendment to the Career Service in the Israel Defense Forces Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz (Likud) explained that the amendment would ensure that retired career soldiers would not receive a reduction in their pensions if they choose to work as an employee in the government’s various defense departments.

The bill passed its second reading 18-0.

The bill passed its third reading 18-0.

MK Schneller thanked the Knesset for approving his bill, especially Chairman Katz. He thanked all of the retired army soldiers who choose to work in Israel instead of taking more lucrative offers overseas.

Amendment to the Israel Economic Recovery – Achieve Budget Targets for the Economic Policy for the Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004 Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz explained that the amendment would lift the restriction of a levy for employing a foreign worker from New Zealand. He explained that this bill needs to pass in order for Israel to live up to a mutual agreement that was signed with New Zealand.

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