Jeremy's Knesset Insider

Monday’s session of over six and a half hours ended after 10:30 PM. In a marathon bill day of 22 bills, 21 of them were passed. The story on this day is about the one that didn’t pass, the Criminal Procedure Bill. This is the first time the government has struck out on a bill during the summer session and embarrasses the coalition of 74 MKs, of whom only two showed up to vote, to Justice Minister Neaman’s dismay. Seven bills were passed in their third readings and the other 14 bills all passed in their first readings. The opposition began the afternoon with their failed attempts to topple the government.

Short Summary on Non-Bills

• The Knesset defeated Kadima’s no-confidence motion titled “Netanyahu once again chooses to cut back and strike the weaker sectors to finance the government’s pompous extravagance” by a vote of 36-62 (22 MKs not present).
• The Knesset defeated the Arab parties’ no-confidence motion titled “Continuation of the demolition policy and disregard of government proposals to freeze the demolition” by a vote of 10-65 with 15 abstaining (30 MKs not present).
• Speaker Rivlin gave a speech in memory of former minister Yehuda Amital. Prime Minister Netanyahu and other MKs spoke as well.
• Agriculture Minister Simhon and Deputy Defense Minister Vilnai answered queries during the session.
• There were no motions other than the no-confidence motions.

Amendment on the State Education Bill

MK Miller (Y.B.) explained his amendment would change the appointment of education ministry council members from political appointments to professional appointments.

The bill passed 13-0 in its second reading and 9-0 in its third reading.

Deputy Speaker Walhaba (Kadima) initially forgot to conduct the vote on the third reading and incorrectly named the bill a law. MK Miller quickly pointed out the mistake and the vote on the third reading was conducted.

Implementing the agreement between Israel and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Bill

Constitution, Law and Justice Committee Chairman MK Rotem (Y.B.) explained that this bill will officially finalize the agreement reached with the OECD.

The bill passed 13-0 in its second reading and 12-0 in its third reading.

Deputy Speaker Walhaba (Kadima) once again forgot to conduct the vote on the third reading and incorrectly named the bill a law. MK Rotem quickly pointed out the mistake and the vote on the third reading was conducted.

Amendment on the Negev Development Authority Bill

MK Yisrael Hasson (Kadima) explained his amendment would promote agricultural tourist attractions in the Negev and would recognize smaller towns that do not have the minimum population to qualify as an official town.

MK Eldad (N.U.) had five official objections to the amendment focusing on the fact that this bill would give the Bedouin tribes control of Israeli lands. After the Finance Committee agreed to his changes, Eldad withdrew his objections and called on the Knesset to vote in favor.

MK Levin (Likud) expressed that he felt that this bill will save the Negev from the Bedouin tribes who are land grabbing. MK Zachalka and MK Asana heckled his speech. He called the illegal building a tool of the Bedouins who do not recognize Israel as a Jewish state.

MK Swed (Chadash) said that many MKs were going to support the bill originally until MK Eldad and Levin intervened. He explained that if Jewish farms that were built illegally are now being legalized, it is a problem that the illegal Bedouin buildings will not be included as well. Swed accused the Jewish farmers of land grabbing.

MK Chanin (Chadash) called the bill an attempt to declare war on the Bedouins. He called the idea of a Jewish farmer land grab a disaster for the environment and a waste of land resources. MK Hasson interrupted and asked what his words had to do with the bill.

MK Mula (Kadima) said that the law is not anti-Bedouin. He added that the Bedouins’ side of the law will be brought up separately at a later date. He suggested that the MKs support this bill and keep in mind that there will be another one soon. He claimed that in the committee they worked very hard to make sure there would not be one word discriminating against Bedouins. He called the unrecognized Bedouin towns a big stain on the Israeli government.

MK Zachalka (Balad) called the Jewish farmers settlers who are land grabbing Bedouin land. He branded the law undemocratic and racist. Zachalka said that the Jews have no right to live in land that was once under Arab control.

MK Asana (Ra’am-Ta’al) called it a bill that will help 51 Jews and hurt 100,000 Arabs. He said that the 51 farmers will now control 81,000 dunam. He asked how there could be a land grab if Arab immigration is illegal. He called the Bedouins victims of Zionism, an anti-democratic and racist thing. He got into a screaming match with MKs Levin and Finian. Deputy Speaker Walhaba regained order.

The bill passed its second reading 25-5 and its articles by the votes of 26-6, 27-6, 26-6 and 27-6. The Knesset defeated the objections by the three Arab parties 6-27, 6-25, 6-26 and 2-25. The bill passed its third reading 27-6.

Amendment of the Income Tax Ordinance

Funds Committee Chairman Gafni (U.T.J.) explained the amendment would give an income tax discount to university students who have jobs.

The bill passed its second reading 18-0 and passed its third reading 14-0.

Amendment on the Civil Veterans Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Azulai (Shas) explained his bill would create a new position in every city or local authority called “Senior Citizens Adviser”.

The bill passed its second reading 15-0 and passed its third reading 14-0.

Amendment on the Fuel Economy Bill

Finance Committee Chairman Okunis (Likud) explained the amendment would promote competition in the fuel market. He added that this bill took 12 years to bring to a second reading and if passed will make it much easier for new gas companies to enter the market. Okunis said that rich private interests threatened him and tried to apply pressure to kill the bill. Okunis said he was pleased that he did not give in to the temptations and stood by this very important law.

The bill passed its second reading 14-0 and passed its third reading 9-0.

MK Charmesh (Kadima) thanked Chairman Okunis for advancing the bill and for standing up against the pressure until the last minute to get the bill passed.

Amendment on the Witness Protection Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Azulai explained that the amendment would force every Knesset committee meeting that involves a person who is under witness protection to be a closed door meeting with no more than five MKs present and the meeting will not have a protocol.

MK Finian (Likud) asked for a vote by a show of hands instead of an electronic vote, Deputy Speaker Walhaba agreed. MK Ze’ev (Shas) pointed out that would mean the Knesset protocol wouldn’t know who voted what and Walhaba agreed to change it back to an electronic vote. The bill passed its second reading 12-0 and passed its third reading 12-0.

Temporary Provision on the Security Service Bill

Deputy Defense Minister Vilnai (Labor) explained that his amendment would extend the temporary provision of men serving three years in the IDF instead of two and a half years as required by law. This extension will be in effect until December 2011.

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

Amendment on the Israel Defense Forces Bill

Deputy Defense Minister Vilnai explained his amendment would allow career soldiers to have more choices in how they plan their pensions.

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

Grazing Bill

MK Ariel (N.U.) explained that his original bill would take the whole shepherding business and put it under government supervision and regulation. Ariel said that his bill will be merged with the government bill after him.

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

Regulation of Public Grazing Lands Bill

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Simhon (Labor) explained that his amendment, which was inspired by MK Ariel’s bill, will finally have some legislation on the grazing industry. Simhon called the bill an environmental bill that will prohibit sheep from land grabbing national park land. The bill requires every shepherd to get a license from the agriculture ministry.

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

Amendment on the Courts Bill

Justice Minister Neaman explained that the amendment would allow a suspect to request a gag order so that the press does not publicize his name and hurt his reputation. He was saddened that the press convicts people before the court rules.

MK Chanin expressed his support for the intention of the bill. Chanin said that in the committee he will ask that the bill go further to protect defendants.

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

Amendment on the Criminal Procedure Bill

Justice Minister Neaman explained that the amendment would reduce the number of times a defendant sees a judge while he is in detention. The amendment would extend the amount of time a judge does not need to see a defendant in detention from 90 days to 150 days. The amendment would also forbid a person from requesting a second appeal to his sentencing. He explained that this bill would eliminate 40% of a judge’s time that is wasted on just going through the motions. Neaman hoped this would speed up the legal process in Israel.

MK Chanin expressed opposition to the bill and called it undemocratic.

The government bill was defeated 2-4. This was the first government bill to be defeated in the 32 days of the summer session. Minister Neaman was furious asking how the MKs could oppose a Supreme Court committee. Deputy Speaker Walhaba told the minister that it was his own fault for not making sure he had enough votes before he asked to vote on the bill.

Amendment on the Legal Assistance Between Countries Bill

Justice Minister Neaman explained that the amendment would give Israel exemption from liability in certain cases without going against international law.

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

Amendment on the Criminal Procedure Bill

Justice Minister Neaman explained that the temporary provision will allow certain defendants to meet with their lawyer through video conferencing.

The bill passed its first reading 8-1 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Observation of Toddlers Daycare Bill

Minister Simhon explained that this original bill will require every toddler daycare to be under the observation of the industry and trade ministry.

The bill passed its first reading 10-0 and was sent to the House Committee to decide which committee would advance the bill.

Amendment on the Traffic Law Bill

Minister Simhon explained that the amendment would change the Traffic Ordinance provisions so that they apply to city trains. Simhon explained that this bill will help the Jerusalem light rail.

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

Amendments to the Knesset Rules Bill

House Committee Chairman Levin explained this will be his sixth amendment to the Knesset rules. This time it will force the opposition leader to be present at a prime minister 40 MK discussion.

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

Amendment on the Contracts Bill

House Committee Chairman Levin explained that his amendment would create absolute decisions with the general interpretation of a contract and take it out of the discretion of the courts.

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

Amendment on the Knesset Bill

House Committee Chairman Levin explained that his amendment would allow the confidential sub-committee protocols to be published at a later date when there is no longer reason for that meeting to be kept confidential. He hoped this would allow the public to judge their politicians even if it is ten years afterwards.

The bill passed its first reading 8-1 and was sent to the House Committee.

Amendment on the Lawyers Bar Bill

MK Shama (Likud) explained that his amendment would change the bureau institution elections protocol so that the Negev and Galil do not get more representation than the Tel Aviv district. The bill will give the Tel Aviv district the same number of seats to which their lawyer population entitles them.

The bill passed its first reading 5-2 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Amendment on the Equal Rights for People with Disabilities Bill

MK Gilon (Meretz) explained that his amendment removes the obligation of a deadline to obtain access for disability perks in the law.

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

Amendment on the Disengagement Plan Implementation Bill

MK Eldad (N.U.) explained his amendment had 37 co-sponsors and will give businesses and workers evicted during the disengagement additional compensation.

The bill passed its first reading 10-0 and was sent to the Funds Committee.

Wednesday’s session of less than seven hours was jam packed with 14 bills discussed. Amir Peretz’s “baby”, the Minimum Wage Bill, was rejected. MK Tivayev’s Official Language of the State of Israel Bill that would declare Hebrew as the official language met government opposition. Towards the end of the session Deputy Speaker Tibi had a personality complex during one of the motions. The Knesset passed only five of the 14 bills, defeating six of them, while three were turned into motions in order to not have them defeated.

Short Summary on Non-Bills

• The session opened with urgent queries for the Interior and Education Ministers, as well as the Deputy Finance and Industry and Trade Ministers.
• Justice Minister Neaman and Culture Minister Livnat (Likud) answered queries in the middle of the session.
• The Knesset discussed10 motions, passing five of them, one of which was split into two motions. The motions were passed 12-0 and 13-0 (split), 7-1, 5-0, 4-1 and 4-0. The Knesset defeated one of the motions 1-4. and the other four were not brought up for a vote.
• Speaker Rivlin gave a warm address to the President of El-Salvador.

Two Amendments on the National Insurance Bill

MK Chaim Katz (Likud) explained that his amendment would have the state cover 70% of insurance and social security dues widows and widowers.

Welfare Minister Hertzog (Labor) praised the bill and expressed the government support.

MK Azulai (Shas), who sponsored a virtually identical bill, thanked the minister for supporting his amendment along with MK Katz’s amendment.

The bills by Katz and Azulai were both passed in their preliminary readings by votes of 25-0 and 26-0, respectively, and were sent to the Labor Welfare and Health Committee.

Amendment on the Penal Code Bill

MK Levi-Abukasis (Y.B.) explained her amendment would raise the age under which a child in jail would need an observer to children aged 16 and under, from the current law of 14 and under. She expressed hope that in the future she would pass a law to raise the observer status to apply to all minors under 18.

Justice Minister Neaman expressed government support for raising the age to 16 but warned that the government would oppose a bill that would raise the age to 18.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 45-0 and was sent to the Law Committee.

Two Amendments on the Minimum Wage Bill

MK Peretz (Labor) called his bill one of the most important bills of all time. He explained that his amendment would act as a temporary provision that would gradually raise the minimum wage to 4,600 shekel. He attacked the treasury for not supporting a bill that can make a big difference for poor people. He called Shtinetz a coward for giving in to the rich. Peretz said he’d rather be a populist than a slave of rich interest groups. He asked why Barak felt the Labor party had to be a part of a Netanyahu government. He called on Labor Ministers Braverman and Hertzog to not be afraid and to vote for the bill. He told them that if Bibi fires them for standing up for the poor they should send him a bouquet of flowers for helping them become the front runners to replace Barak as Labor’s head. Peretz called on the MKs to vote for their ideology and not to be afraid of losing their precious coalition jobs.

MK Shitrit (Kadima) explained that his similar amendment would raise the minimum wage level to higher number than MK Peretz’s proposal. He said the problem of negative income tax destroys families and cited a study which proved his point. Shitrit charged that full time salaried workers who earn the minimum wage live under the poverty line. He warned that when people make more money living off of welfare services than working the consequence is an impending financial disaster. MK Vaknin (Shas) got into a screaming match with Shitrit that lasted a few minutes. Shitrit attacked Vaknin and Shas for saying they represent the poor while they vote against raising the minimum wage. He asked how Israel could join the OECD when people who have full-time jobs are poor and people who live off welfare are rich. He explained his amendment would raise the minimum wage to 50% of the average Israeli salary, and he explained that he passed a similar bill when he was Finance Minister. His amendment would also call to hire inspectors to ensure that employers complied with the mandatory minimum wage and did not try to cheat employees by paying them less.

Finance Minister Shtinetz charged that Peretz and Shitrit did not propose to raise the minimum wage when they were ministers and the world economy was flourishing. He charged them both of being opportunists who find it very easy to ask the government to raise the minimum wage when they are in the opposition and the world is in the middle of a financial crisis. Shtinetz said that if either of them were finance minister they would vote against the measure. He warned that if the bill was passed companies would close down and unemployment would rise. He explained that in the middle of a financial crisis the businesses can’t survive a bill that would raise the minimum wage. He quoted Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fisher who said that raising the minimum wage would raise unemployment significantly. He quoted the OECD report on Israel that stated the minimum wage in Israel is overwhelmingly high. The finance minister applauded Peretz for using this bill as a way to improve his relations with the press and for going through the motions of having his bill defeated. He warned that voting for this bill is a vote for unemployment and budget cuts in education and welfare. Shtinetz defended the concept of negative income tax that former Finance Minister Silvan Shalom (Likud) created. He called the bills irresponsible and expressed the government’s opposition to the bills, calling on the coalition MKs to oppose it. He warned that this bill would raise the unemployment to 10% like the United States.

MK Peretz rebutted that Shtinetz is no expert of finance. He called for a vote by secret ballot and promised that if he lost he would not bring up the bill for a vote for two years.

MK Shitrit rebutted by reading out Shtinetz’s record of voting for raising the minimum wage in the past. He blasted Minister Hertzog and told him that he should be ashamed of himself for saying he is defending the weak and poor. The two got into a screaming match for a minute or so and then Shtinetz joined. Shitrit charged that a business or factory that can’t pay their workers a higher minimum wage should not be open for business.

The bills were defeated 39-59 and 34-57 respectively. Chaim Katz of the Likud voted for both of the bills, against the government decision.

Two Amendments on the Environmental Protection Bill

MK Horovitz (Meretz) explained that his amendment would allow the intelligent use of natural resources, specifically by reusing water through a Greywater system.

MK Chanin (Chadash), who sponsored an almost identical bill, said he was happy to see the government support a bill that will help Israel save water.

Environmental Minister Erdan (Likud) expressed government support for the brilliant bill that matches his ministry’s policy and called on everyone to vote in favor.

The bills by Horovitz and Chanin passed their preliminary readings 23-0 and 24-0 respectively and were both sent to the Interior and Environment Committee.

Amendment on the Rabbinical Courts Bill

MK Mula (Kadima) explained that his amendment would prohibit the rabbinical courts from cancelling a citizen’s conversion to Judaism. He stressed that these matters are particularly important in issues of marriage and divorce and the current situation causes many problems. He asked how someone could live as a Jew and then have their conversion overturned at a later date. He got into a screaming match with MK Rotem (Y.B.) when he charged that Rotem’s party was giving in to the chareidim.

Justice Minister Neaman said that the matter is complicated and delicate. He explained that the government asked to have a three month period to go over the law and figure out a way to either support it or submit a bill of their own. Mula refused to play ball and for that reason the government was asking the coalition to oppose the bill.

MK Zoaretz (Kadima) asked that the coalition reconsider and vote for the bill.

The bill was defeated 21-34.

Amendment on the Proposed Traffic Ordinance

MK Shitrit explained that his amendment would require that stability systems be installed on all vehicles that weigh over four tons. He explained that the bill would reduce traffic accidents by keeping drivers alert and awake and would take control of a vehicle when its driver lost control. Shitrit read out a letter written to the minister by the citizen who came up with the idea for the bill. He asked the government to support the bill and pledged to work alongside the minister to advance the bill or to drop it if so requested.

Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) explained that a similar law that demands the installation of such devices by January 1^st 2012 was already passed. Katz explained that there was no reason to pass a law to enforce the issue earlier and expressed the government’s opposition to the bill.

MK Shitrit claimed he was talking about a more advanced type of device and said that waiting another year and a half to enforce the previous device will cost pointless deaths. He quoted: One who saves the life of one, it is like he saved the whole world.

The bill was defeated 20-42.

Amendment on the Land Leasing Bill

MK Mula explained his amendment would be a temporary provision that would extend the lease period of certain Israeli lands and delay their transfer to foreign western development interests. Mula said he rejected the idea of luxury housing for rich people.

Minister Neaman said that this bill would hurt the current reform of the Israeli Land Authority and therefore the government was opposing it.

The bill was defeated 14-36.

Amendment on the Broadcasting Authority Bill

MK Shai (Kadima) explained that his amendment would change the structure of public broadcasting. The Kadima MKs objected to Edelstein being the minister who would respond in the name of the government, and Deputy Speaker Magadla called a few of the MKs to order.

Hasbara and Diaspora Minister Edelstein (Likud) warned that those who are in favor of public broadcasting should oppose this bill and wait for a reform. He expressed the government’s opposition to the bill.

MK Shai said that he believes that the government will adopt this bill and that Edelstein will vote in favor of it in six months after opposing it today. He criticized the government’s decision of budgeting for entertainment such as the Eurovision and not for journalism and more political shows. He called on the coalition MKs who co-sponsored the bill with him to vote in favor of their proposal.

The bill was defeated 24-42.

Motion/Amendment on the Retirement Age Bill

MK Solodkin (Kadima) explained that her amendment would lower the retirement age for employees of physically grinding jobs that harm their health. She explained that the current retirement age is standard and certain jobs should enjoy an earlier retirement age. Solodkin proposed that the retirement age for these jobs would be lowered to 60 years old. She thanked MK Tibayev for co-sponsoring the bill with her. She blasted Workers Union head Ofer Ianie for objecting to the bill instead of supporting workers’ rights.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) explained the government was opposed to the bill because of the difficulty in defining what is grinding work. He explained that too many jobs might be included and there would not be enough in the budget to pay the retirement benefits, which could lead to an economic collapse. He suggested changing the bill into a motion that could be discussed in a committee.

MK Solodkin agreed.

The motion passed 23-0 and was sent to the Funds Committee.

The Official Language of the State of Israel Bill/Motion

MK Robert Tivayev (Kadima) explained his amendment would name Hebrew as the official language of the State of Israel. He said he was surprised that such a law had never been passed. Tivayev told a story about how he was introduced to Hebrew in the U.S.S.R. by a Rabbi in synagogue who explained that Hebrew was the language of the Jewish people. He called on the Knesset to make this historic declaration. Tivayev noted that Israel is one of the few countries that don’t have an official language. Tivayev asked how a right-wing government could vote against such an important bill.

Religion Minister Margi (Shas) said that the government objected to declaring Hebrew as the official language. Margi said the government also objected to the secondary languages of Arabic, English and Russian mentioned in the bill. Margi said that it was a problematic bill and suggested turning the bill into a motion to have a compelling discussion in a committee.

MK Tivayev agreed.

The motion passed 26-0 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Motion/Amendment on the Sick Days Payment Bill

MK Agbariah (Chadash) explained his amendment would allow absence from work due to an immediate relative’s disease. He criticized the current law that states that one must use vacation days to be with a dying family member and cannot even use one’s own sick days for this purpose.

Deputy Speaker Magadla mistakenly called up Deputy Minister Noked as the Deputy Infrastructure Minister, and Infrastructure Minister Landau (Y.B.) said he would be happy to have Noked work as a deputy for him as well.

Industry and Trade Deputy Minister Noked (Labor) explained that to allow someone to exercise eight days’ worth of sick days on a relative’s sickness is too much. Noked explained that multiple people could invoke this clause for the same sick person which would cause an unfair strain on the economy. She suggested turning the bill into a motion and having a discussion in a committee.

The motion passed 6-0, or 9-0 if you count the MKs who didn’t vote but who Deputy Speaker Magadla added. The motion was sent to the Health Committee.

MK Ahmed Tibi’s Multiple Personalities

Deputy Speaker Tibi announced that the next speaker would be MK Tibi. Because no other Deputy Speaker was in the building MK Tibi asked Deputy Speaker Tibi if he could have special permission to give his speech from the Speaker’s chair. Deputy Speaker Tibi announced that he authorized MK Tibi’s request and asked that the Knesset pretend that MK Tibi’s request did not come from the Speaker’s chair. Justice Minister Neaman asked Deputy Speaker Tibi if this would cause a conflict of interest. Deputy Speaker Tibi agreed it would, he said he had considered delaying the motion until another deputy speaker arrived, but because it was a special day, the world cup semifinal, he decided against it. MK Shai asked Deputy Speaker Tibi what would happen if MK Tibi caused a disruption. Deputy Speaker Tibi responded that if MK Tibi caused a disturbance that he would call MK Tibi to order and remove him from the plenum. MK Tibi started his speech by thanking the Deputy Speaker. At the end of his speech Deputy Speaker Tibi thanked MK Tibi for not going over his time limit.

Tuesday’s session was less than four hours. The Knesset celebration of Jabotinsky Day was attended by a handful of MKs. The five bills discussed were all passed, including the Knesset Museum Bill in its third reading. Yet another Orlev political appointment bill was passed among the four bills that passed their first reading. This new position will be called Government Academic Adviser. The other bills passing their first reading included ballot committee members being allowed to vote in their own ballot booths, a bill that would force banks to print checks to the beneficiary only, and a bill that would prohibit discrimination of party goers in clubs and bars.

Short Summary on Non-Bills

• 16 MKs participated in the one-minute speeches segment of the day.
• Religion Minister Margi (Shas) had a question hour and answered queries from several MKs.
• There was a special meeting to mark Ze’ev Jabotinsky Day. Following Speaker Rivlin and Culture Minister Livnat’s speeches, only four MKs spoke on the subject – MKs Livni, Danon, Shitrit and Orlev.
• The Knesset approved the House Committee decisions on the destination of bills over which there had been a debate about the appropriate committees for discussion by a vote of 9-0.
• The Knesset approved the House Committee’s decisions on the continuity clause of certain bills from the previous Knesset by a vote of 11-0.
• The only motion of the day was on the topic of the Preservation of Heritage Sites. 4 MKs spoke and no vote took place.

Knesset Museum Bill

Education Committee Chairman MK Orlev (J.H.) explained that his bill would turn the Froimen House, the previous home of the Knesset, into a museum.

The bill passed its second reading 17-0 and passed its third reading 20-0.

Amendment on the Israel Academy of Sciences Bill

MK Orlev explained his bill would create a new government position of an academic adviser for the government. He felt that this would help the government feel more connected to what is going on in the academic world of science, development and other important issues, both nationally and internationally.

The bill was passed in its first reading 8-0 and sent to the Education, Science and Technology Committee.

Amendment on the General Election Bill

House Committee Chairman MK Levin (Likud) explained the bill that he co-sponsored with MK Itzick (Kadima) would allow ballot committee members on Election Day to vote in the voting center in which they are working. Levin explained this will enable people to vote who were previously unable to because they were working far away from their hometown district. He expressed the problem they are trying to solve is to ensure there is no double voting as a result of the amendment.

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

Amendment on the Ordinance Bill

MK Kirschenbaum (Y.B.) explained that her amendment would force banks to print checkbooks with the ‘to the beneficiary only’ stripes, unless otherwise requested.

MK Levin asked how this bill was not thought of before. He expressed pleasure that this would help stop the poor from being tricked by the rich and help small businesses as well.

MK Ze’ev (Shas) said this will hurt the black market. He added that this would put an end to the check ‘hot-potato’ game. He expressed his worry it might cause complications for chareidi small-business owners.

MK Rotem (Y.B.) said that he was not going to support the bill until he heard MK Ze’ev’s speech. Rotem realized this bill will prevent tax fraud by ending the check hot-potato game.

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

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

MK Yachomovitz (Labor) explained her bill would forbid bars, clubs and restaurants from not allowing certain people into their establishment based on the presumption of discrimination. She cited many MKs and Knesset workers who encountered the terrible discrimination.

MK Ze’ev said he was for the law but against the concept of drunken youngsters.

MK Mula (Kadima) said that this bill will help the Ethiopian public a bit, but that the public is still very racist.

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

Monday’s session was a little over two hours. The session was short due to the opposition’s tradition of not submitting motions of no-confidence as a measure of goodwill when the Prime Minister is abroad. The session also had no motions because of the Kadima MKs who chose instead to join the Gilad Shalit march in Tel-Aviv. The Knesset passed three bills, two in their third reading and one in its first. The Sexual Harassment Bill will change the way men act from now on.

Short Summary on Non-Bills

• Deputy Finance Minister Litzman requested to enact a continuity clause on a bill that will be voted on in two weeks.
• The Knesset passed a House Committee request to split a bill into two by a vote of 9-0.
• Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitz (Y.B.) had a question hour that was cut short by lack of interest.
• Environmental Minister Erdan (Likud) answered queries at the end of the session.

Amendment on the Preventing Sexual Harassment Bill

Women’s Rights Chairwoman MK Hotoveli (Likud) explained this was a revolutionary law. The current law states that a woman girl who is harassed must prove that she was harassed. The amendment will change the law so that the one who is charged as the harasser will be guilty, until proven innocent. The amendment will include rabbis and other spiritual leaders as public figures who can be prosecuted in this manner.

MK Orlev (J.H.) explained that his bill would lift the immunity of many public figures so that they can be prosecuted. He hinted that this bill was influenced by the police failure to convict Rabbi Mordechai Elon. He was saddened that the maximum punishment for this law is three years. Orlev explained this situation gave him motivation for the bill.

MK Shneller (Kadima) said that no one should be immune from being charged with sexual harassment, religious or otherwise. He said that he was pleased that his practically identical bill could be merged with Orlev’s.

The bill was passed in its second reading 11-0 and in its third reading 12-0.

Amendment on the Health Insurance Bill

MK Adato (Kadima) explained her amendment would allow kupat cholim patients to pay for the exact number of pills they receive in their prescription without having to pay for the whole package.

The bill was passed in its second reading 9-0 and in its third reading 9-0.

Amendment on the Lending Books Bill

Education Minister Saar (Likud) explained that his amendment would allow children to keep the books they receive from the school, in order to hand them down to their younger siblings when the time comes. He said that 1,100 schools are already part of the program and his amendment would make the measure available in all public schools. Saar said this went well with another recent bill which stated that the schools can only change textbooks once every five years. The minister hoped this would help families with many kids save money.

MK Michaeli (Y.B.) said that another bill which would create computer textbooks in place of the paper ones is on the way. Michaeli stated that every house has a computer.

MK Ganem (Ra’am-Ta’al) said this bill will strengthen the connection between the school system and the families of the students.

MK Ze’ev (Shas) said this bill will save paper. He went on to talk about Nir Barkat’s strategy concerning the planned King Park in Jerusalem.

MK Tibi (Ra’am-Ta’al) said that students are scarred for life if they don’t have money to pay for their books, and this law might make the difference in their lives.

MK Ben-Ari (N.U.) expressed that, as a teacher of 21 years and a father of seven, he will vote for the bill. Ben-Ari slammed the schoolbooks today that are more expensive and an environmental waste and that hurt the kids’ health by forcing them to carry the thick books on their backs. He argued that these new books have little purpose and are merely empty fill-in-the-blank books.

MK Orlev (J.H.), the Education Committee chairman, expressed his support for the bill and called on everyone to vote for it.

The bill passed in its first reading 14-0 and was sent to the Education Committee.

Last Wednesday was a seven and a half hour session. The Knesset voted against the government ethics bill and approved the Baka-Get split ‘superbill’ in its preliminary reading. Besides the superbill incorporating eight separate bills that were merged into one, there were six other bills. Two bills were passed in their preliminary reading, two bills were defeated, one was passed as a motion and one was withdrawn at the last second.

Short Summary on Non-Bills

• The Justice, Environment and Interior Ministers, along with the Defense and Foreign Deputy Ministers answered urgent queries at the start of the session.
• The Knesset discussed nine motions, passing five of them by the votes of 7-0, 12-1, 8-0, 7-0 and 7-0. The other four motions were not brought up for a vote.
• Minorities Minister Avishai Braverman (Labor) answered queries at the end of the session.

Amendment to the Foundations of the Budget Bill

MK Vaknin (Shas) explained his amendment would lower taxes on land that borders Lebanon or the Gaza strip.

Vaknin agreed to wait a week for the government to give their approval.

Eight Amendments on the Local Authorities Bill

MK Magadla (Labor) explained that the amendment would terminate the union of local councils Baka al Gharbiya and G’et. Magadla said that there are seven other amendments on the same exact issue that have been joined into one discussion. He assured the MKs that this is the will of the great majority of both towns. MK Oron (Meretz) attacked Magadla for telling too many jokes during his speech and Magadla teased Oron for being an irrelevant opposition MK. Magadla thanked the Labor ministers who forced the government to support the bill.

MK Walhaba (Kadima) said the concept of a union of local councils is a bad idea and in this case it was a disaster.

MK Shneller (Kadima) said that he voted for the union and is generally for the unification of councils. He said he changed his mind when he saw that this particular union caused many problems for the citizens of both cities.

MK Swed (Chadash) asked why most of the unions of city councils are in the Arab areas. He criticized the unification of councils where the majority of the citizens are against the union.

MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) chose to use his time to express his support for full army ceremonial funerals, even in cases of renegade soldiers.

MK Zachalka (Balad) said that both the coalition and opposition support the bill. Speaker Rivlin interrupted and said that it is not acceptable for certain unions to stand and others to be dismantled for political reasons. Zachalka asked that the Knesset not bury the bill in the Interior Committee and to advance the bill, because teasing the residents is worse than denying them.

MK Tibi (Ra’am-Ta’al) called the union a failure and complained that it took too long for the government to support the bill. He expressed fear that the government will choose to oppose it in its first reading.

MK Asana (Ra’am-Ta’al) said it’s better late than never. He criticized the previous government for forcing a union of two councils that objected to it.

Interior Minister Yishai (Shas) said that this union was forced by a Kadima government. The minister said that the government will only support the bill in its first reading if the treasury approves the budget cost of the bill. Speaker Rivlin interrupted the minister and said that there is enough friction between Arabs and Jews already. He demanded that the government make a decision on if they are for or against now. Rivlin expressed concern that playing games will cause more friction. Yishai responded that the government wanted more time to discuss the bill in order to see if the funds that will be needed for a new council can be allotted. He added that the government was pressured to at least pass the bills in their preliminary readings and the government will figure out the logistics later. Yishai said that the government supports the bills in their preliminary readings.

MK Shitrit (Kadima) gave a half hour speech objecting to each amendment. He said that we should be saving money and unifying more city councils. Shitrit said that the current council can’t pay their city workers, so how do they expect to pay two councils’ worth of city workers. Shitrit charged that this was an attempt to give out jobs to political loyalists and that it would hurt most of the common citizens. He warned that creating new councils costs millions of shekels each year. He said Jews should unify too and asked who knows where the border between Givataim and Ramat Gan actually is. Shitrit also accused Magadla of using this bill to try to earn more votes for the Labor party. Shitrit warned that he would fail.

MK Magadla responded that the treasury has not voiced any objection to the plan. Therefore, he reasoned the Interior Minister should give the government’s approval for the bills next reading as well.

The eight amendments passed their preliminary reading in eight votes: 46-6, 49-3 with 1 abstaining, 43-3, 45-3, 41-3, 36-3, 40-3, and 35-3. MK Eldad (N.U.) turned the session into a screaming match when he exercised his right to demand that each amendment be sent to a different committee, forcing all the amendments to be sent to the House Committee for further debate. This move will allow hard-line House Committee Chairman MK Levin (Likud) to bury the amendments if he wishes.

Amendment to the Psychologists Bill

MK Matalon (Y.B.) explained that his amendment would allow those who are entitled to free psychological care from the State to be given psychotherapeutic treatment by specialist psychologists, instead of regular psychologists. This would mean that the patients would get better care and those who treat them will be veteran professionals with years of experience.

MK Adato (Kadima) said she objected to the bill. She said that psychotherapeutic treatment is not as effective as regular psychological care and therefore she objects to the bill.

Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.) expressed government support.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 43-4 and sent to the Labor Committee.

Amendment to the Knesset Bill

MK Levin (Likud) explained his amendment would force the approval of confidential sub-committees by a majority of the plenum. He also said in certain cases confidential sub-committees would have their protocols publicized after a cooling-off period.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) explained that the government has no official position. However, he explained that he himself supports the bill and calls on other MKs to vote in favor of the bill.

MK Oron said this move will actually increase the number of sub-committees because the coalition has a big majority. Oron also said that sub-committees have five members and only one member is from the opposition. He expressed fear that future committees would become sub-committees.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 42-7 and was sent to the House Committee.

Amendment to the Basic Law: The Government

MK Avraham-Balila (Kadima) explained that her amendment would define general ethics for government members. She said that she knew many coalition MKs wanted to vote for it but were afraid to. She made a promise not to advance the bill if the Knesset passed it in its preliminary reading.

Justice Minister Neaman said that the government plans on advancing an ethics bill of their own, where the government will define what ethics should be included in the law. Neaman announced that the government opposes the bill. Speaker Rivlin added that the Knesset has been discussing a Knesset ethics bill for four years and suggested the Knesset pass their own ethics bill before they push a government ethics bill.

The bill was defeated 24-34.

Amendment to the Basic Law: The State Economy

MK Avraham-Balila (Kadima) explained that her amendment would eliminate the economic arrangements bill. She reminded the MKs that the bill was signed in 1985 as an emergency measure and suggested the time has come to kill it.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) expressed the government’s opposition to the bill.

MK Chanin (Chadash) called on coalition MKs not to listen to the government and to support the bill. He called the current bill undemocratic.

The bill was defeated 16-43.

Motion/Amendment to the VAT Bill

MK Avraham-Balila (Kadima) explained that her amendment was a temporary order that would help small and medium-sized businesses during the financial crisis for a year and a half.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) expressed opposition to the bill and asked the MK to turn it into a motion. MK Avraham-Balila agreed.

The motion passed its preliminary reading 12-0 and was sent to the Funds Committee.