Jeremy's Knesset Insider

Today began the second half of the summer session. It seems the next six weeks, until the summer recess, will be influenced by Wednesday’s chaotic session. Most of Monday’s four hour and 15 minute session was spent debating the no-confidence motions submitted by the five opposition parties on the left and center. Opposition Leader Livni headed the tense debate and Defense Minister Barak answered in the name of the government. 104 MKs were in the building at the height of the day, but most of them were gone by the time the Knesset discussed seven bills, one of which passing its third reading. The Environment Minister and Deputy Defense Minister answered a collective 4 of the 21 queries submitted.

Speaker Rivlin and Deputy Vaknin did a good job preventing a recurrence of last Wednesday, although some of the speeches were very heated, such as those by MK Zoabi, MK Tibi and Defense Minister Barak.

No-Confidence Motions from five of the six opposition parties.

1) Motion on “The attempt of government officials to escape responsibility” by Kadima.

2) Motion on “The decision making, discretion, instructions and restrictions given to the army failed to improve Israel’s response to the Flotilla” by Meretz.

3-5) Motion on “The continued siege of Gaza and a pirated government behavior that is dragging the region to doom” by Ra’am-Ta’al, Chadash and Balad.  These last three motions were all on the same topic, but each had slightly different wording.

Opposition Leader Livni said it might not be the usual thing for an Opposition Leader to give a speech during a no-confidence motion, but these are not normal times. She agreed with Netanyahu’s decision to enforce the Gaza Blockade and talked about how she expressed her support of the I.D.F. throughout her international television interviews. She expressed opposition to an international probe while demanding an Israeli one. Livni asked Netanyahu to be probed in Hebrew so his soldiers would not need to be probed in English. She accused Netanyahu of leading Israel to international isolation and not understanding the fundamental reasoning behind the Gaza blockade. Livni called on the Arab MKs to support Israel and not Hamas. MK Bareka (Chadash) heckled his opposition ally for a few minutes before Speaker Rivlin took control.

MK Tzartzur (Ra’am-Ta’al) recounted the conversation between Israel’s defense minister and Turkey’s foreign minister word for word. Defense Minister Ehud Barak looked stunned that the conversation was leaked and sent his assistants to find out what happened. It turns out that the conversation was leaked by the Turkish foreign minister to the Arab press and was in papers across the Middle East and Europe. Tzartzur supported Helen Thomas’s words that Israel should leave Palestine and return to Germany. He mentioned Gaza unemployment was at 70%. Tzartzur warned of the danger Israel would be in if they maintain the Gaza blockade. He also supported MK Zoabi’s actions.

MK Bareka (Chadash) called Wednesday’s incident a disgrace. He condemned Kadima for supporting the government last week. Bareka also condemned today’s House Committee vote that lifted certain privileges of MK Zoabi. He supported the anti-government rally in Tel Aviv over the weekend on the anniversary of the 1967 six day war. He called himself a Palestinian Arab and not an Israeli Arab and said it is difficult to sit in this parliament. He expressed his position against Zionism and for his party’s communist platform. Bareka went as far as saying that the Arab MKs sitting in the Knesset is a favor to the Jews because it gives the Knesset international legitimacy. He criticized MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) for trying to attack MK Zoabi. He said that all Israeli Arabs are a part of the Palestinian public and “when they hurt, we hurt too”. He placed the blame for the Flotilla’s deaths on Netanyahu and Barak.

MK Gilon (Meretz) called Wednesday the most depressing day he has had as an MK and gave a long lecture to both sides. He accused Ben-Ari (N.U.) of leading most of the government’s decisions; Ben-Ari laughed and left the session. Gilon called for a probe into the Flotilla events and criticized the Gaza blockade. He called for direct negotiations with the Palestinians and to advance the peace process. He called on Kadima to join the government and to free the full list of prisoners in exchange for Gilad Shalit.

MK Zachalka (Balad) said that the Jewish parties acted in evil on Wednesday. He said that Balad will continue to say exactly what they want to say and the Knesset will not be Arab-free or Palestinian-free. He said that Balad is the answer to Yisrael Beytanu. He praised the wall-to-wall support his party is receiving from almost every country around the globe. He said the root of Israel’s problems is that “they are not right and, from a philosophical stand point, are wrong”. He said it is easier for Israelis to accuse MK Zoabi than to explain their point of view to the world. He warned that Balad would not disappear if they are thrown out of Knesset. Zachalka called Barak dangerous

Following the five sponsors of the no-confidence motions, each party sent a representative to give their party’s official position.

MK Shai (Kadima) said that every day Gilad Shalit is prohibited from Red Cross visitations, Israel is allowed to impose a Gaza blockade. He asked how Israel could have fallen to such a low point internationally. He called on Defense Minister Barak to resign his post and join the opposition.

MK Miller (Y.B.) asked how Balad, whose former party leader Azmi Bashara is wanted for treason for spying for Hezbollah during the Lebanon war, is allowed to preach to Israelis on who is right and who is wrong.

MK Ze’ev (Shas) said that the war cries from the Turkish ship about being martyrs is a new reality. He asked why the Arab MKs, who are traitors and wave Palestinian flags on Israel’s Independence Day, are allowed to speak from the Knesset podium. MK Agbariah (Chadash) heckled the speech and Deputy Vaknin (Shas) silenced him. He called the Flotilla a terrorist attack aimed at delegitimizing Israel. He said we need laws that will force all MKs to pledge allegiance to the State.

MK Chanin (Chadash) said Wednesday’s session was pure incitement against Arab MKs. He accused the Knesset’s move to the right as problematic for the whole Israeli public, which is adapting their dangerous views. He quoted a communist author to express his views. Chanin supported the peace rally in Tel Aviv and criticized the right-wing counter protest. He criticized the Gaza blockade and called for bringing down the government.

MK Oron (Meretz) said that Wednesday was not an isolated case of incitement against Arab MKs. Oron said that Yisrael Beytanu is 100 times more dangerous than Balad. Three Y.B. MKs heckled the rest of Oron’s speech. Oron spoke against lifting MK Zoabi’s immunity.

MK Tibi (Ra’am-Ta’al) labeled last week “Kahane Week” in the Knesset. He said the Jewish MKs’ Arabic needs work. Tibi cursed the Y.B. MKs in Russian. The session got out of control for a few minutes, but Deputy Vaknin regained control.

MK Ben-Ari (N.U.) said that Israel is standing behind its soldiers, unlike the last three speakers. Ben-Ari praised the protests in favor of the troops. He gave a long eulogy for Rav Mordechai Eliyahu who passed away this afternoon. He went on to dismiss the incitement and racist allegations against him.

MK Orbach (J.H.) also eulogized Rav Eliyahu. He went on to support lifting privileges of MKs who use those privileges to harm the country. Orbach criticized Wednesday’s session and called on the Jewish MKs to contain themselves.

MK Zoabi (Balad) supported her party’s no-confidence motion and the people in Gaza. The session got out of control from the beginning, as once again all the Jewish parties refused to let her speak. Deputy Speaker Vaknin took control of the session and threatened to remove all the trouble makers. Zoabi asked that Israel end its occupation and allow the right of return to Palestinians within the 1948 borders.

Deputy Minister Litzman (U.T.J.) said his party stood behind the government completely on all five no-confidence motions.

MK Okinus (Likud) said that the chant “go back to Auschwitz” proved the Flotilla was not peaceful but instead a terrorist attack. He criticized Kadima, who supported the government for two days and on that historic Wednesday issued no-confidence motions to be debated the following week. He said that move was a disgrace to the Kadima MKs, as this was not what their voters asked for. Okinus said every Kadima MK who votes for the no-confidence motion of the Arabs are disgusting.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said despite the violence, the mission of maintaining the Gaza blockade and bringing the Flotilla to Ashdod was successful. He said that Israeli soldiers will not be probed in English or in Hebrew. Barak said Israel will not apologize for securing its citizens. The Kadima MKs heckled Barak’s speech, but Speaker Rivlin maintained order. Barak said the one in true need of humanitarian aid is Gilad Shalit. The Arab MKs heckled Barak’s speech from this point on. Barak said that he has seen a lot of missions in his day and that this military mission was successful. He said that he was also Defense Minister under Olmert and can say that Netanyahu made these decisions in a more professional way than previous governments. Kadima started heckling, and Speaker Rivlin regained control of the session.

The Knesset defeated the five motions of no-confidence.

Kadima’s motion lost 25-59, with nine Arab MKs abstaining. Ra’am-Ta’al’s lost 8-81 with two abstaining. Chadash’s lost 9-81. Meretz’s lost 9-58 with 10 abstaining. Balad’s lost 7-80 with two abstaining.

Female Egg Donation Bill

MK Chaim Katz (Likud) said that it took ten years and three different Knessets to finally bring this bill up for its second and third readings. This would allow women to donate eggs for scientific research and for artificial insemination. Katz gave a very long speech explaining the complicated technicalities around the bill that were discussed in the Labor, Health and Welfare Committee. It should be noted that none of the Chareidi MKs were present for the discussion or vote.

The bill passed its second reading 24-0 and its third reading 25-0.

Labor, Health and Welfare Committee’s request to apply the continuity clause to the Foster Family Benefits Bill

MK Chaim Katz asked the Knesset to apply the continuity clause to revive a bill from the previous Knesset that passed its first reading in 2008.

The Knesset has two weeks to object before the issue is voted on.

Finance Committee’s request to apply the continuity law on the Electricity Bill

MK Okunis said the amendment from 2008 would limit the types of electrical licenses to two, instead of the current twelve.

The Knesset has two weeks to object before the issue is voted on.

Post National Service and Military Rights Bill

MK Rotem (Y.B.) expressed disappointment that his bill would be merged into a government bill.

Deputy Minister Gamliel (Likud) said the only grounds for government approval on this bill are if Rotem agrees to have the bill merged.

MK Rotem (Y.B.) said he would agree to merge most of the articles of the bill and Gamliel agreed to grant government approval.

The bill passed 19-0 in its preliminary reading and was sent to the House Committee in order to split the bill according to Rotem’s request.

Veterans Absorption bill

Deputy Minister Gamliel explained that her government bill would invest in the younger generation so that they become successful and do not become a liability. The money will go to culture, higher education and cheaper housing. She said the bill would go into effect for the next school year.

The bill passed its first reading 20-0 and was sent to the Labor, Health and Welfare Committee.

Shipping Bill

Minister Margi (Shas) explained in the name of the Transportation Minister that the amendment on the bill would redefine what a sailor is in order to include smaller boats.

MK Ketzeleh (N.U.) used the time to eulogize Rav Mordechai Eliyahu.

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

Security Service Bill

Deputy Defense Minister Vilnai explained that the temporary provision placing the security prisoners in the Prison Service care must be extended until December, when the Defense Minister’s committee makes a final suggestion on what to do to solve the situation. (In the past, security prisoners were under I.D.F. responsibility.)

MK Ze’ev said he supported the bill but asked why they need a temporary provision; he expressed support of permanently placing the security prisoners in the Prison Services hands.

MK Mula (Kadima) said his party supported the amendment but opposed temporary provisions. Mula said his party will not support extending the provision again in December. He said it is time to make these temporary bills permanent so they do not need to be extended every six months.

The bill passed its first reading 7-0 and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee it will be sent to.

Queries to Deputy Defense Minister Vilnai

MK Ze’ev said that the Mosques in eastern Jerusalem are too loud and cause problems for Jerusalem’s Ne’ve Ya’akov neighborhood. He also complained the noise gets to his neighborhood in the Bar Ilan area.

Vilnai said this was nothing new and nothing new will be done to prevent it.

7 queries were sent to the protocol because their MKs were not present.

Queries to Environmental Minister

MK Michaeli (Shas) asked about the pollution of the Yarkon River. He asked why people are allowed to barbeque in the area.

The minister answered there is a lot of pollution in the area, but there are no easy answers. He said he will not allow people to drive into the area and that will prevent the barbeques.

MK Mula asked about schools in Ramat Gan and Kiryat Gat next to antennas that are causing cancer.

The minister answered radiation testing showed very low levels of radiation in Ramat Gan. He said that he doesn’t know about the Kiryat Gat situation, so he can’t answer it.

MK Orbach asked about what environmental actions are being taken in the Gvaot-Adulam region, where there is oil drilling.

The Minister said that the area is under strict environmental supervision. He explained that the Infrastructure ministry has more power than he does due to the Oil Law, which grants the power to drill for oil practically everywhere.

10 queries were sent to the protocol because their MKs were not present.

Other Notes:

• Speaker Rivlin eulogized Rav Moredechai Eliyahu, the former chief Rabbi of Israel, who passed away today at age 81.

Wednesday’s session will probably be remembered as the most controversial of the 18^th Knesset. It was business as usual with 105 MKs present in the building at the height of the day and a session lasting seven hours and fifteen minutes. The Knesset passed three bills in their preliminary reading and defeated three other bills including the 443 Bill and the Yisrael Hayom Bill. There were six motions, but the Flotilla motion, which included MK Zoabi’s return to the Knesset Plenum, turned into a two hour and forty minute Jerry Springer episode. My detailed account of what happened is the best you’ll find, short of the censored Knesset website protocols. I do not believe that there have ever been 14 MKs thrown out of the Plenum during one motion until today. I plan on writing an opinion piece on the subject in the coming days, because once again I fear for Israel’s public opinion. The Knesset also voted today on the House Chairman’s statement, and we had several urgent queries with which the Knesset began its day.

Urgent Queries to Deputy Defense Minister Vilnai (Labor)

1) MK Yisrael Chasson (Kadima) expressed concern about meat being exported from Africa and brought in through illegal tunnels to Gaza. He suggested that the reason they smuggle the meat is because the importing of Israeli meat into Gaza is prohibited by the I.D.F.

The Minister responded he is aware of the smuggling of African food into Gaza via tunnels and the prohibition of Israeli meat. He assured he has been working on the issue and will continue to do so.

2) MK Moses (U.T.J.) asked about a new I.D.F. order that will force soldiers to work in the army radio station Gali Tzahal on Shabbat and chagim. He said this will force religious soldiers out of the unit.

MK Orlev (J.H.) added that the only reason a soldier is allowed to work on Shabbat is if it is absolutely necessary. He questioned the rational of forcing religious soldiers to be used as security detail for a useless radio broadcast.

MK Ariel (N.U.) asked that this new I.D.F. regulation be repealed.

The Minister answered he would speak with the Army Rabbis and try to find a solution that will be acceptable for both sides of the issue.

Urgent Query to Religious Minister Margi (Shas)

MK Mula (Kadima) asked why cemeteries have different plots of land for religious burials and secular burials as well as separate plots for Ethiopians.

MK Horovitz (Meretz) added that he has evidence that this is a wide spread phenomenon, especially with Ethiopians.

MK Bielski (Kadima) asked for more transparency of Chevra Kadisha.

The Minister said that there is no separation and if there is a cemetery that does separate he will punish them. He also said Chevra Kadisha has pamphlets with all the burial rights that they are supposed to hand out to the family of the deceased.

Urgent Queries to Interior Minister Yishai (Shas)

1) MK Danon (Likud) asked about the issue of no permits on the construction of Jerusalem.

MK Orlev added that since Vice President Biden’s visit not one building has been approved by the interior committee of Jerusalem.

MK Ariel said there is a difference between the torah that is written and the torah that is spoken. The torah that is written is that there is a freeze in Jerusalem and the torah that is spoken is that there is not a freeze. He asked the Shas minister why there is a difference between the written Torah and the spoken Torah.

The minister said the official position of the government is that there is no construction freeze on Jerusalem.

2) MK Yachomovitz (Labor) asked to change the procedure of the entry of babies born to a surrogate mother into the country, so that it would be allowed.

MK Horovitz added that surrogate babies can cost a family $200,000 and something should be done to help them, since it is forbidden in Israel.

The Minister answered that the issue in the news with the babies from India was complicated because it violates signed agreements between the countries. He suggested that Yachomovitz respect the current laws and treaties with other countries. Exceptions can be made, but this cannot become the new procedure.

Urgent Query to the Education Minister Sa’ar (Likud)

MK Ganem (Ra’am-Ta’al) asked about the complications around the Math Bagrut.

MK Nafa (Balad) said he felt the minister had given different responses to different media outlets.

The minister said that because the original test was leaked. His ministry needed to act and by changing the test, the students didn’t need to wait an extra year to take it. The complications with the new tests were expected because they were written within a tight timeframe of 36 hours before the test. That said, the biggest complication was that in some areas the test was delayed for an hour due to technical difficulties with fax machines. Allegations that the new test was harder than the original one will be checked in the coming weeks.

Amendment on the Supervision of Financial (Insurance) Services Bill

MK Amnon Cohen (Shas) said his amendment would prohibit repairs or rebuilding of vehicles damaged at least 50%, in place of the current 60%.

Deputy Finance Minister Yitzchak Cohen (Shas) said the government agrees with the change.

The Knesset passed the bill in its preliminary reading 38-0

Amendment on the Protection of Privacy Bill

MK Maklev (U.T.J.) explained his amendment, which he co-sponsored with MK Gafni (U.T.J.), would prohibit the publication or advertisement of a picture of an injured person without his or her consent.

Justice Minister Neaman said this law would hurt the freedom of the press’ coverage of terrorist attacks, but agreed to discuss the matter in the committee.

The Knesset passed the bill in its preliminary reading 35-0 and sent it to the Justice, Law and Constitution Committee.

Amendment on the Traffic Ordinance

MK Matalon (Y.B.) said his amendment would prohibit the current law that limits the time a disabled person is allowed to park in a certain spot, forcing him to go back to the meter every two hours.

Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz (Likud) explained that taking away parking meters in all places is unacceptable; however, the government agrees to take them away from most places.

The Knesset passed the bill in its preliminary reading 45-0 and sent it to the Finance Committee.

Basic Law: Judiciary (Amendment – Powers of High Court of Justice)

MK Ketzeleh (N.U.) said his amendment, which has over a dozen co-sponsors, most of whom are from the coalition, will prohibit the Supreme Court from ruling in security decisions that will cause the endangering of Israeli lives. Speaker Rivlin censored certain parts of Ketzeleh’s ten minute speech, which criticized the Supreme Court, despite several Likud Ministers’ objections. Therefore he was given an additional three to four extra minutes to speak.

• This law will soon be known as the “443 Highway Law” and is another controversial “Supreme Court Bypass Law” where the Legislative Branch puts additional limits on the Judicial Branch. The point of this law is to revoke the court order that opens up the 443 Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem highway to Palestinian traffic.

Justice Minister Neaman said he rejects attempts of the Knesset to get involved in Supreme Court matters.

The bill was defeated 4-55. Netanyahu came in to vote against, which scared off all of the coalition co-sponsors from the room, and only the four National Union MKs voted in favor.

Student Incentives for Extended Reserve Duty Bill

MK Mula (Kadima) said his original bill is the most important bill he has presented. He stated that students are discriminated against for serving their reserve duty, and this bill will not only raise their status to equals, it will also encourage students not to dodge reserve duty. Mula stressed this was not a budget bill and expressed his disappointment with the government’s opposition. Mula accused the government of supporting Chareidim who don’t do any service.

Education Minister Sa’ar said a previous amendment to the Students Bill by MK Miller (Y.B.) has already done most of what MK Mula is suggesting, along with financial incentives. Therefore there is no reason for a new bill.

The bill was defeated 23-51.

Amendment on the Press Bill

MK Solodkin (Kadima) explained the amendment would place a restriction on free distribution and circulation of national newspapers for over a year.

• As usual when Solodkin gives a long boring speech off the written paper her assistant gave her with her eyes glued to that paper, the MKs and ministers take long walks around the plenum talking and laughing. Netanyahu enjoyed a video clip on MK Ilatov’s ipod. It should be noted that even Kadima’s MKs were talking in a huddle on the side.

Minister Erdan (Likud) said he rejected the “Yisrael Hayom” Bill, which he said violates the freedom of the press. It is unacceptable that a newspaper be censored through legislation because it frequently exposes scandals that are true and usually on left-wing politicians. In addition to prohibiting Yisrael Hayom, this bill will prevent the government from publicizing its free newspaper with the new bill updates.

MK Baron (Kadima) said that MKs and ministers such as Minister Herzog (Labor), who have received financial payments from Yisrael Hayom, shouldn’t be allowed to vote on the issue.

MK Ze’ev (Shas) said he receives Yisrael Hayom in his house and asked if he is allowed to vote. Speaker Rivlin said that the Knesset Judicial Councilor allows.

The bill was defeated 14-61 with one abstention.

• 6 separate bills were pulled by their sponsors and were not voted on or discussed today.

Motion on the Israeli reaction to the Gaza Flotilla

MK Regev (Likud) condemned MK Zoabi (Balad) for going on the flotilla, calling her a traitor in Arabic. She also spoke about her full support of the I.D.F.’s actions.

MK Shai (Kadima) supported the Israeli blockade on Gaza and called on the Palestinians to stop firing rockets on Israel and to return the captured solider Gilad Shalit. Shai called MK Zoabi’s actions illegal. He also called for an Israeli probe led by former Supreme Court President Aharon Barak on the entire Flotilla incident.

• MK Zoabi entered during MK Shai’s speech and complete chaos erupted. Screaming and shouting in both Hebrew and Arabic from all sides of the Knesset went on throughout the rest of Shai’s speech for several minutes. Deputy Speaker Shama (Likud) could not maintain order.

MK Bareka (Chadash) asked why Speaker Rivlin, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Barak and Vice Prime Minister Ya’alon all left before the motion. He said they are responsible for the Flotilla deaths. He gave his party’s full support to MK Zoabi’s actions and called the I.D.F. murderers. Security stopped Yisrael Chasson (Kadima) who tried to get on to the podium and take Bareka down. MK Ben-Ari got out of his chair and was contained as well. MK Shai demanded that the Deputy Speaker force MK Bareka to take back his words labeling the I.D.F. murderers. The Deputy Speaker asked Bareka to stop shouting, but to no avail. Bareka charged that not one country is defending Israel’s response. MK Adato (Kadima) got out of her chair screaming and was sent back to her seat. MK Danon (Likud) was called to order twice and was almost removed from the plenum. Barekeh called on the MKs to wake up and for Ben-Ari to shut up.

MK Matalon (Y.B.) said he respected how MK Zoabi could in one day become more famous than MK Tibi or any other Arab MK ever. He spoke about his visit to the hospital and updated the Knesset on the injured soldiers’ well being. Matalon told the countries of the world that the people of Israel remember how France, Turkey and England killed Palestinian “human rights” activists when they were in power in the Middle East.

MK Ze’ev asked why they needed 600 people on a boat if the goal was humanitarian. He called for lifting MK Zoabi’s immunity. MK Bibi (Kadima) called out that Zoabi should be deported to Gaza.

MK Moses recalled the story from the Torah in which Dina’s brothers rescued her and killed the men of Nablus. He wondered why the world thinks there are no circumstances when killing in self defense is allowed.

MK Orlev (J.H.) suggested limiting the authority of MKs to only MKs who accept Israel as a Jewish democratic state. Several Arab MKs were called to order and were almost removed from the plenum.

MK Tzartur (Ra’am-Ta’al) was heckled by just about every Jewish MK in the room. Pandemonium would be a good way to describe it. From what could be understood of his speech over the other MKs’ shouting was that he supports the Flotilla and Zoabi.

MK Oron (Meretz) said there were other alternatives to the I.D.F.’s response. Israel has a right to defend their territory but they probably overreacted. He mentioned that not all of the 600 were bad people, most them were peace activists and most of the boats arrived safely to the shore of Ashdod. He thanked the Knesset for having the first speech that was not interrupted.

MK Magadla (Labor) said that the Flotilla caused a tough day for the peace camp in Israel. He claimed that most Gazans are not supporters of Hamas and they are the ones who were hurt the most by these actions. He said he believed that the Gaza blockade will not bring Shalit home.

MK Ben-Ari (N.U.) did not even start talking before the Arab MKs boycotted his speech and walked out in protest. He called on the MKs to sober up and to support his motion in the House Committee to revoke the Arab MKs’ immunity and to take away their diplomatic passports.

• MK Zachalka (Balad) was not in the room when Deputy Speaker Shama called his name, so Shama allowed the next MK on the motion a turn to speak. Zachalka, who entered a few seconds later, after Ben-Ari stepped down off the podium, made a big fuss about having his turn skipped. MK Michaeli (Y.B.) told him to shut up and live with the consequences of boycotting a speech.

Deputy Defense Minister Vilnai explained that there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A million tons of aid is brought in annually. The Gaza blockade is meant to assure rockets do not enter Gaza that will be directed at Israel. When the organizers of the Flotilla refused to follow proper channels and have the aid go through Ashdod and the Erez crossing with the excuse that they want to break the blockade it became clear that we must go through diplomatic channels to prevent the Flotilla from setting off. We tried and failed. The ships came, and we were forced to board them and search for weapons of terrorism. He explained that you do not ask a ship to turn back when it enters your water, but you ask them in international waters, before they enter your own. He said that they were warned to turn back and instead cursed us with profanity. He disclosed that the people who fought were not peace activists but were mercenaries that were paid a lot of money to kill Israeli soldiers. He said that not one of the dead was innocent and that Israel could have responded a lot stronger than we did. Israel is the only country that videos their missions and publicizes it in order to show transparency. MK Baron (Kadima) said that Israel did not follow proper protocol on convening the security cabinet in order to approve the response.

MK Zachalka (Balad) was allowed to speak. He called for the immediate release of all the arrested Flotilla passengers. He congratulated MK Zoabi for her work against the Gaza blockade and said she deserved a “Tzalash”. His words were heckled by every Jewish MK in the plenum. Zachalka continued his speech after his time was up and Deputy Speaker Shama asked him to stop. Zachalka spoke from his Knesset seat instead and the Knesset almost came to blows. Security removed three MKs who were on their feet by Deputy Speaker Shama’s request: MK Bareka (Chadash), MK Asana (Ra’am-Ta’al) and MK Yoel Chasson (Kadima).

MK Yisrael Chasson (Kadima) called MK Zoabi a traitor and a spiller of blood. He said we didn’t wait 2000 years to come back to Israel in order to get the permission of people like Zoabi. MK Tzartur (Ra’am-Ta’al) got up and looked like he was going to charge the podium and became the fourth MK to be kicked out by Deputy Speaker Shama.

MK Danon (Likud) condemned MK Zoabi and said in English “Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me!” He spoke about his new proposed law that will kick her out of Knesset.

MK Pelsner (Kadima) said he hopes MK Zoabi goes to Gaza as a 38 year old single woman and we’ll see how she is greeted. He also said we need to see who authorized the I.D.F. response.

MK Shamalov-Berkovitz (Kadima) said she is disgusted that in Israel there are Arab MKs who do not look out for their voters and instead are inciting violence. She said that the Arab MKs killed the people on the Flotilla, not Israel.

MK Asana was allowed to be brought back in order to talk and MK Ben-Ari protested and was thrown out by Deputy Speaker Shama. Ben-Ari was the fifth MK to be removed. MK Afflalo (Kadima) said this was the best play he has ever seen.

MK Agbariah (Chadash) said there was a humanitarian crisis and children are dying from this Gaza blockade.

MK Eldad (N.U.) said the silver lining was that Jewish Israelis now know that Israeli Arabs hate us too. Their MKs are cursing the State in front of an Israeli flag.

MK Afflalo said that MK Eldad should take back his words. Afflalo said that they don’t represent the Arab public. MK Eldad responded that Arab public voted for them and gave them 11 seats. Afflalo said he was embarrassed to be part of a Knesset that has MK Zoabi.

MK Bibi (Kadima) said he supported the I.D.F. 100%. He criticized MK Asana for losing his diplomatic passport five times and accused him of giving them to other people for whatever reason.

MK Zoaretz (Kadima) said she wishes all the injured well and that she was sad for the loss of life. She believed that at least some of the dead were terrorists.

MK Chanin (Chadash) said history will remember today as the lowest point in the Knesset’s treatment of Arab MKs. He blamed the government for every death on the Flotilla.

MK Rotem (Y.B.) asked if the Knesset only today realized that the Arab MKs do not represent the Israeli Arab public. He pointed out that the 100 representatives of the Druze Community in today’s audience are disgusted with the Arab MKs’ behavior. He called the Arab MKs bastards and stepped off the podium.

MK Gilon (Meretz) said he never in his life saw a debate like the one today. Both sides tried to ignite the fire until things got out of control. He said he couldn’t hear any of the speakers aside from MK Oron due to the chaos in the room. He said that the MKs have all gone crazy and he is embarrassed to be part of this Knesset. Deputy Speaker Shama once again lost complete control of the room as hecklers on both sides attacked Gilon who refused to finish his speech. Deputy Speaker Shama asked that security turn off Gilon’s microphone as MKs held their fellow party members back from fighting.

Deputy Defense Minister Vilnai demanded that the Knesset have an immediate vote to end this motion.

The Knesset defeated the Arab side of the motion 10-36. The other MKs’ motion was passed 26-21 and sent to the Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee, where there are no Arab MKs allowed.

• MK Zoabi (Balad) was given a chance to respond to all the words said about her over the last few hours. The MKs all started arguing, and the Knesset looked like a complete circus. MK Afflalo called Deputy Speaker Shama a disgrace for allowing Zoabi to speak. It took five security men to take him out. MK Zachalka went up to the podium where Zoabi was going to speak, as did several Jewish MKs who tried to take her down. MK Michaeli tried to block Zoabi from getting to the podium with her own body and was forced out by several security men. The security formed a perimeter around Zoabi. Zachalka hit a few MKs and was thrown out. Fights broke out across the room including much pushing, shoving and screaming. All MKs were out of their seats by this point and complete mayhem ensued. Deputy Speaker Shama stopped the Knesset Plenum session and called an immediate recess and demanded that security take control of the room. Speaker Rivlin was brought back in order to authorize emergency protocols to ensure that the Knesset respects itself. He gave full support to Deputy Speaker Shama’s handling of the most tense debate in Knesset’s history and asked all the MKs to leave if they had a problem. In emergency protocols no MK is allowed to say even one word without the Speaker’s approval. That means that every heckler will be removed. Speaker Rivlin took over the debate and threw out MK Michaeli (Y.B.), MK Ben-Ari, MK Rotem, MK Bibi, MK Matalon, MK Ketzeleh and MK Zoaretz. This brought the amount of MKs thrown out to 13.

MK Zoabi started talking and said all her words would be heard. MKs Rotem and Bibi came back in and were thrown out again by security. MK Danon became the 14th MK to be thrown out of the Knesset. MK Zoabi refused to get off the podium after her time passed, and Rivlin asked that she be removed from the podium. Security detail protected her on her way back to her seat, but she was almost hit by MK Chasson. A few minutes later she asked for security detail to escort her out of the plenum and the chaos ended after two hours and forty five minutes.

Motion on International Environment Day

MK Ezra (Kadima) was upset that the Environmental Minister was not there to answer the motion. He cited many environmental concerns and asked for answers on this international awareness day. He said that we need to do more to support factories that work on lowering pollution.

MK Chanin cited many environmental concerns that challenge us today. He called on bringing Palmachim beach out of private interests’ hands and back into the public’s.

MK Michaeli (Y.B.) said that for once she will not read out what her Parliamentary Assistant wrote her and instead would address Zoabi’s actions. She asked how Zoabi could be allowed to talk in front of the Israeli flag which Michaeli went over and touched. Michaeli said she cares very deeply for the environment but today’s events remind her that there are more important issues. Michaeli said she talked about the provocation of the Flotilla with hundreds of European Parliament members from across Europe yesterday in order to explain our side of things. She said she was so tired she fell asleep and spent the night in her MK office.

MK Ketzeleh discussed environmental concerns with Israel’s water system and the amount of illegal quarries which poison the water, mainly in Israeli Arab areas.

MK Cabel (Labor) said he would also not read out what his assistant wrote for him and instead talk to the MKs in the room Gafni and Rotem, both committee chairmen who he expects will advance his and other environmental bills that they have been holding up. He reminded them that these laws are not a matter of right or left.

MK Gafni (U.T.J.) said that the few viewers are going to have a hard time understanding why there were over 60 MKs in the previous motion and less than a dozen MKs here to discuss International Environment Day.

Minister Margi answered in the name of the Environmental Minister. Margi blasted the MKs who put their name on the motion and chose to leave before it began. He answered that the minister is working on the Palmachim issue. He also said the minister is aware of the challenges Israel has when it comes to the environment given the growing population and higher level of life that is increasing industry and pollution. He is working on answers for dealing with this situation and is also now forced to work on these issues as part of the OECD.

MK Ze’ev stated that this government is greener than the previous one.

MK Levi-Abukasis (Y.B.) felt the water pollution caused by quarries is problematic and the minister should do something about it.

The motion was passed 11-0 for further discussion in the Knesset.

Motion on the decision to give financial benefits to the Palestinians

MK Elkin (Likud) said he does favor financial peace agreements however he is against financial benefits to people who boycott settlement products. He suggested perhaps not calling for a Palestinian boycott but instead taking away the current incentives until they lift their ban.

MK Eldad said he felt that the settlement boycott can be solved in a week but Netanyahu won’t do anything. He felt this would be a good time to take away the financial benefits to the people who are hurting our economy.

Minister Margi said the government is using diplomatic channels to solve the situation of the settlement boycott and that cutting financial benefits would harm the pursuit of peace.

The Knesset voted 12-0 to discuss the matter further in the Knesset at a later time.

Motion on the poor conditions in the Ramat Eshkol and Chashmonaim neighborhoods in Lod

MK Mula said sometimes we need to restrain ourselves and although he condemns MK Zoabi’s actions the other MKs should have restrained themselves. He added that Defense Minister Barak should have also restrained himself with the actions of the Flotilla and called on him to resign his post. He also called for a national probe to investigate the actions taken with the Flotilla. He went back to the titled motion and alleged that despite the fact that these neighborhoods receive government funding the money goes to the non-Ethiopian sections.

Minister Margi said that the money is given to the local mayors and councils and it is their responsibility to distribute it at their own discretion

MK Agbariah called the treatment of MK Zoabi undemocratic and a scandal. He added that he should have been allowed to speak for a full ten minutes like MK Mula because they proposed the motion together. He claimed he is being punished because of the two-day Arab MK strike of the Knesset. MK Magadala allowed him to speak for a few minutes from the side.

The Knesset voted 8-0, and the motion was transferred to the Interior Committee.

Motion on the weight of the Bagrut tests as part of the educational process of high schools

MK Wilf (Labor) charged that the Bagrut and math in general became the measuring stick for a successful Education Minister and a successful Mayor of any city. She charged that the tests have become easier year after year due to a quest for higher grades, as opposed to more knowledgeable students. She accused students of faking learning disabilities for easier tests and other students for threatening violence for higher “protection” grades. Students are taught that only the Bagrut matters, so they don’t show up to school. Wilf stated that in her opinion the Bagrut no longer measures the achievements of a student.

Deputy Education Minister Parush (U.T.J.) called Wilf’s long “lecture” compelling. He said that students have other subjects aside from Bagrut subjects in schools, as well as school trips. He agreed with some of her other statements.

MK Ben-Ari said MK Wilf’s talk was not a lecture but the tough truth and he agreed with every word. He said that both the teachers and the students are to blame and we need to see how we can improve the education of our children.

The Knesset voted 8-0 and the motion was transferred to the Education Committee.

Motion on the permits to the Druze families for visits to Syria and Lebanon

MK Nafa (Balad) and Deputy Speaker Magadla spoke in Arabic to the many Druze in the visitors section for a few minutes, and I didn’t understand a thing. Afterwards Nafa explained the visits are meant for religious rituals. He said the reason the Druze are no longer being given permits is because Israel fears that they will be recruited by Hizbolah or Hamas to be spies.

Minister Margi said that Lebanon and Syria are enemy countries and therefore entry of all Israeli citizens into those countries is strictly prohibited. He said there were a few Druze that were allowed a few visits to family members, but due to the current security situation these permits have been delayed, not cancelled.

MK Agabriah spoke in Arabic for half his speech and criticized Israel’s policy.

MK Ze’ev said he has a wedding in Ra’anana he is late for because he felt it was important to be a part of this discussion. He praised the Druze visitors for waiting hours for their motion. He criticized that only five MKs stayed for the discussion.

The Knesset voted 5-0 and the motion was transferred to the Interior Committee.

• Seven motions were cancelled because their MKs were not in the room.

Queries to Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Noked (Labor)

All five queries were sent to the protocol because their MKs were not present.

Other Notes:

• Speaker Rivlin addressed the Czech Republic’s President with a warm speech. This was, of course, before the Flotilla Motion.

• Speaker Rivlin called for a minute of silence for former MK Luba, who was buried yesterday.

• The Knesset voted for the House Committee Chairman Yariv Levin’s announcement which allows him to advance certain issues in the committee by an 11-0 vote.

There were seven items on the agenda for Tuesday’s short hour and forty five minute session. Following the one minute speeches, two bills were passed in their third reading and three bills passed in their first reading, along with a committee request that was also passed.

The main reason for the light day both today and yesterday is because of Kadima’s and Meretz’s decision not to criticize the government during this difficult time of hasbara. Another reason is Balad, Chadash and Ra’am-Ta’al for the second straight day boycotted the Knesset, not even entering the building. The third reason is that most of the ministers are assisting with the media blitz. Lastly, with no opposition and few MKs present, there were no motions, and only legislation with opposition support was presented. At 19:03, about an hour and fifteen minutes after the plenum session ended, the only MK who remained in the building was MK Zevulen Orlev (Jewish Home), and he was gone by 19:09.

One Minute Speeches

Speaker Rivlin was back after yesterday’s absence and presided over the 14 MKs who mostly spoke about yesterday’s events. It should be noted that 14 is a record low for the current summer session and fewer than 40 MKs were even in the building.

MK Magadla (Labor) and MK Wilf (Labor) both eulogized former Labor MK Luba Eliav, who is being buried today.

MK Ezra (Kadima) supported the I.D.F. in their courageous actions yesterday and wished the injured a full recovery.

MK Finan (Likud) condemned MK Zoabi (Balad) who was aboard one of the ships headed for the Gaza blockade and labeled her a full partner in yesterday’s deaths.

MK Ben-Ari (N.U.) spoke about the Parshat Hashavua ‘Shalach’ and focused on the spies’ sin of bad mouthing Israel.

MK Hotoveli (Likud) condemned the disengagement in Gaza and explained that is the reason no one has a true answer for what should be done with Gaza. She called on Israel not to give into temptation and allow a terrorist Hamastan.

MK Mula (Kadima) supported yesterday’s I.D.F. response and criticized the hasbara along with Hasbara Minister Edelstein, who was in Canada until this morning.

MK Eldad (N.U.) slammed the Prime-Minister of Turkey’s accusation of an Israeli genocide by bringing up the topic of the Armenian genocide, during which Turkey allegedly killed hundreds of thousands.

MK Orbach (J.H.) blasted the Israeli press for labeling the Gaza ships “humanitarian ships”.

MK Ketzeleh (N.U.) quoted MK Tibi (Ra’am-Ta’al), who said last week that he despised all settlers. He said that Tibi’s words were followed by the despicable terrorist actions of yesterday.

MK Levi-Abukasis (Y.B.) talked about the conditions of minors in jail.

MK Shitrit (Kadima) supported the government’s decision to stop the provocation of yesterday. He suggested Israel work on their hasbara efforts for future events.

MK Miller (Y.B.) recalled the Dalfanirium dance club terrorist attack that killed many teenagers nine years ago today.

MK Matalon (Y.B.) spoke about his visit to the injured soldiers in the hospital today. He applauded the opposition for supporting the government during this difficult time.

Amendment on the prevention of employment of sex offenders in certain institutions bill

MK Rotem (Y.B.) explained that the amendment is meant to expand the application of the prevention to other institutions. He praised the eight MKs who co-sponsored the amendment that will prevent sex offenders of working in places that involve contact with children. Rotem, whose committee will fund the publication of the bill, labeled the bill one of the most important laws of the year.

The bill passed 16-0 in its second reading and 17-0 in its third reading.

MK Levi-Abukasis, a first term MK, thanked her colleagues who supported her first bill passed in the Knesset, despite the fact that it is a budget bill. She expressed this law will make Israel safer for our children.

Amendment on the Standard Contracts Bill

MK Rotem explained that the amendment will help the average person learn exactly what he is signing on.  The amendment will fund the publication of the contents of the bill, which includes citizens’ responsibilities when signing a standard contract, in order to make the bill more accessible to everyone. Another item in the amendment is that if a contract does not have an approval seal from a court judge, the contract is void.

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

MK Kirschenbaum (Y.B.) thanked her co-sponsors and colleagues.

Request of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee to apply the continuity law to the Adopting Children Bill

The request was approved by the Knesset 11-0. It was a bill from the previous Knesset proposed by MK Orlev that is now approved to be advanced in this one.

Amendment on the State Education Bill

MK Orlev (J.H.) explained the amendment on the extension of office of certain national religious public office holders beyond the four year term limit with the approval of the government. It also would allow a new Education Minister to fire people in the case of a new election.

MK Ben-Ari (N.U.) discussed the 63 year anniversary of Ben-Gurion’s decision to sink the Altelena ship, which killed 16 of Menachem Begin’s men. He suggested that perhaps Israel could have done the same thing with the ships yesterday headed for Gaza. Speaker Rivlin expressed his regret that he can’t attend the memorial service going on tonight, due to his obligation to the Knesset.

MK Ze’ev (Shas) asked why we need separate public office positions for the national religious and hinted that these were indeed political appointments.

MK Orlev defended his bill stating that the public office positions are determined by law and essential. He explained that the amendment is asking to simply extend these job terms beyond the four years or for a new Minister to appoint people he can trust on important issues.

The bill passed in its first reading 10-0 and was sent back to the Education, Culture and Sport Committee, of which MK Orlev is the chairman, in order to advance the bill for its second and third readings.

Amendment on the Traffic Ordinance Bill

MK Orlev explained that the amendment would improve the placement of handicap parking signs throughout the country. He said there are many places that have no handicap parking and there is a severe lack of enforcement. The fine for possession of a fake handicap pass will be raised from 600 NIS to 1,000 NIS.

MK Ben-Ari said the problem with pluralism is that it enables extreme leftists to criticize every Israeli action and confuses some citizens, like those who yesterday opted to support the enemy. He said that the real freedom is the borders and red lines we call laws.

MK Matalon, who is handicapped, said he supports the bill.

MK Ze’ev defended his position in the committee that Orlev’s proposed 5,000 NIS was too high a fine for a fake handicap pass and expressed satisfaction that the committee agreed to lower it to 1,000 NIS, a more reasonable fine.

MK Orlev requested a minute response. He defended his 5,000 NIS fine proposal and said the proposed raise to 1,000 NIS is temporary and just a stepping stone.

The Knesset voted in favor 11-0 in the bill’s first reading, and the matter was sent to the Finance Committee.

MK Ketzeleh, himself handicapped, suggested that 90% of the fine be given to the handicapped person who was affected himself.

Amendment on the Public Health Ordinance Bill

MK Ketzeleh explained that his new amendment would require changes in the labeling of sugars in food so that it would be clear what kind of sugar was used and also the amount of sugar used. He said that there was similar law passed in America and that this will help the consumer lead a healthier life. Ketzeleh went on to give a speech in favor of eating healthy in which he burst out laughing and left the stage.

MK Ben-Ari talked about the fear Israelis had of Um-El-Fachem’s response to yesterday’s events. He labeled them Palestinians in waiting who are only Israelis when they can get something out of it. He called on the public to join the 18:00 solidarity rally in favor of the I.D.F.

MK Eldad (N.U.) responded to the United Nations Security Council demand that Israel release all of the boats’ passengers and send the boats home with a simple – no. Eldad recognized the Kurdim and supported their fight for independence of Kurdistan. Eldad suggested maybe we can send the Turkish ships to the Kurdim, because they are the ones who are in need of humanitarian aid.

MK Ze’ev said that this was the most original bill he has ever seen. He said the bill will fight diabetes but not high blood pressure. He proposed adding salt to the sugar bill in order to help more people. He went on to blast the education of big brother, survivor and other reality shows that promote unhealthy people. He closed by speaking about a ten year old girl he met who was wearing a t-shirt that was said ‘sex online, call me ‘.

MK Orbach suggested limiting the law to only certain products, not all of them.

The Knesset voted 12-0 and passed the bill in its first reading. The bill was sent to the Labor Welfare and Health Committee.

The events on the water were addressed by almost every speaker on Monday. Most of the day’s original agenda was delayed or cancelled. The short hour and twenty minute session dealt with one motion discussed by six MKs and one bill discussed by eight MKs. The highlight of the day was Benny Begin’s (Likud) fiery speech.

The two no confidence motions that were planned for the beginning of Monday’s session were withdrawn due to the day’s events. For those of you who are curious, the first motion of no confidence was by the Balad, Chadash, Ra’am-Ta’al and Meretz parties on the subject of: The rise in violence and incitement by religious extremism in the country. The second one was a motion of no confidence by Kadima on the subject of the Israeli government, which they feel threaten the lives of civilians by the decision to cancel the “school road safety education program”.

Deputy Speaker Vaknin (Shas) opened the session instead of Speaker Rivlin (Likud). He began by expressing support for the I.D.F. and wished the injured soldiers a speedy recovery. This was the first day of the summer session that Speaker Rivlin did not open or attend.

Motion on the United States supporting the demand to monitor Israel’s nuclear facilities

MK Michaeli (Shas) said the whole world is against us and if our one friend can’t help us, we might need to fight for ourselves. He expressed frustration that America is not supporting Israel in the “Boat Crisis” and that they allowed the United Nations Security Council to condemn Israel.

MK Pelsner (Kadima) spoke in support of the Israeli troops, who are fighting terrorists, not human rights activists, in the sea. Pelsner urged that Israel release videos that support our cause and to go on a media blitz in order to counter the bad press Israel is receiving. He also spoke about the new American policy that is anti-nuclear for all countries and how that challenges the current Israeli position. He said Israel must determine the appropriate response to America’s demand of having a nuclear free Middle East on all sides.

MK Eldad (N.U.) expressed his support to the troops and to the government for not backing down. He also wished the injured well. Eldad spoke about the American support of Israel’s nuclear research which started in the 1960’s with President Johnson and has been ongoing for almost 40 years. Eldad questioned if Egypt would also need to give up their nukes in the new American plan. He called Obama a traitor to Israel and said his one mistake is that he could have blackmailed us a bit longer with the threat of implementing his new Middle East plan.

MK Gilon (Meretz) said that Meretz recognizes that the ships should not have illegally entered Israel’s waters, but when one boards a ship one should not be surprised when the passengers opt to fight back. He also said that there is a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and that Israel should not be surprised by the ships or the negative coverage in the press. Gilon suggested that Israel accept the new American policy and give up their arsenal of weapons.

Minister Begin (Likud) expressed his gratitude to the three Jewish opposition parties who expressed support in the government, in at least some matter. Begin said he regretted the loss of lives today. He suggested people realize why this happened. He reminded us that Hamas came to power in a free, democratic and independent election on the platform of terrorism and the liberation of land based on the destruction of the Zionist state. Hezbollah another terrorist organization has the same platform as Hamas. They are both arming with weapons via Iran for an all out war where the three groups will try to destroy Israel and push all the Zionists into the sea. Today’s events were led by organizations that do not support peace, they support Hamas and they support terrorism. After learning what and who was aboard, Israel was left with no choice but to uphold the law. Begin surprised the MKs present by disclosing that Israel will follow the normal protocol with ships headed to Gaza, and after a thorough check, the permitted materials will be allowed entry into Gaza. Begin summarized the day’s events as Israel’s right to self defense against terrorism.

Begin went on to express his frustration with the actions of the United States concerning their calls to Israel regarding nuclear weapons, as well as their inaction in allowing the U.N. to condemn Israel for the day’s events.

MK Ze’ev (Shas) asked to have a minute speech and stated that Israel is both the only country that has a day to day threat of destruction and the only democracy. He expressed hope that America would reconsider their positions.

The motion was sent to the Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee by a vote of 14-0.

Amendment to the Druze Religious Courts Bill

MK Amar (Y.B.) expressed his support of the I.D.F. then spoke about his proposed amendment. He suggested the law, which had not been touched since 1962, be updated. He thanked MK Levin (Likud) for helping him advance the bill in the relevant committees despite the bill not being for Jewish interests.

MK Levin said he was honored to join in advancing this much needed list of updates that will help improve and modernize a flawed bill. He said that he expected all Jews to assist in this Druze issue, because they are our loyal partners in our beloved country.

MK Ilatov (Y.B.) talked about the cooperation on the amendment between the coalition and the opposition.

MK Ketzeleh (N.U.) called Druze MK Amar a hero for his community by advancing this very important bill. He went on to wish the injured soldiers well. Ketzeleh questioned the method of using paint guns and the uneven coverage by the army radio station – Gali Tzahal. MK Pelsner questioned Ketzeleh’s words. Ketzeleh responded that Gali Tzahal called the ships “Humanitarian Ships”. He questioned how a humanitarian ship could injure 6 soldiers.

MK Ben-Ari (N.U.) spoke warmly of MK Levin’s words and the Druze community in general. He spoke about last week’s ten year anniversary of Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon. Ben-Ari charged that Israel betrayed our SLA (Southern Lebanese’s Army) allies with that withdrawal and expressed hope that Israel not betray the Druze too. Ben-Ari criticized Netanyahu for supporting another withdrawal called the disengagement and for his declarations towards a Palestinian state.

MK Walhaba (Kadima) defended Gali Tzahal and criticized MK Ketzeleh. He went on to criticize and accuse MK Ben-Ari of wanting to re-conquer Gaza and kill the peace process. Walhaba said this is the time for Israel to be united and that the opposition right-wingers should take the hint. The only other Druze MK in the Knesset, Walhaba expressed his support for the bill.

MK Rotem (Y.B.) wished all the soldiers well and expressed satisfaction with the opposition siding with the government during this difficult time. Rotem praised the bill. He suggested the bill be brought to his committee in order to advance the bill to its second and third readings before the end of the summer session.

MK Ze’ev discussed a few of the proposed changes in the amendment and expressed his opposition, based mostly on what it could mean for the rabbinical court system. He went on to condemn the Arab MKs who caused a provocation when they joined the ‘Flotila’ headed for Hamas’s Gaza. He went on to express his support of Chairman of the House Committee MK Levin’s plan to vote on the matter of lifting the Arab MKs’ immunity on this matter.

The Knesset voted 12-0 to pass the amendment in its first reading. The amendment was sent to the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee chaired by MK Rotem.

Wednesday’s session last about seven and a half hours. The Knesset passed six different bills covering ten amendments in their preliminary readings and defeated MK Solodkin’s (Kadima) Social Housing Bill. The Knesset also approved seven of the nine motions, opting not to vote on one and defeating MK Eldad’s (N.U.) motion on the State Service Commissioner’s term extension. The “Gilad Shalit Law” and the Citizenship Bill became the talk of the day after they were both approved in their preliminary readings, but it seems unlikely that they will be advanced anytime in the near future. For the first time this summer the motions seemed more compelling than the queries, but that might be because few MKs showed up for the ministers who opened and closed the day’s session.

Urgent Queries to Health and Housing Ministers

MK Cohen (Shas) asked how three ambulances could serve the population of over 250,000 people in Haifa. Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.) responded that there are 52 ambulances in the Haifa area. MK Ganem (Ra’am-Ta’al) complained that there aren’t enough ambulances in Sachnin. The minister said he would look into the matter. The Knesset took a ten minute recess when the siren sounded for a security drill.

MK Kirschenbaum (Y.B.) asked about the policy of determining who is eligible for government housing. Housing Minister Ariel Atias (Shas) reviewed the levels of eligibility and priority as part of the policy that was in place from 1994 until last week. He went on to defend the new system that favors families with a large number of children by placing them at the top of the list. MKs Tzartur and Asana (Ra’am-Ta’al) complained about a housing crisis in the Israeli Arab community, specifically in Jaffa. The minister said he would not support a public housing plan with affirmative action for Arabs.

The Gilad Shalit Law – Four amendments by four MKs that are being merged into one bill.

1) Incarceration of prisoners is required bill

2) The release of kidnapped prisoners bill

3) Prisons Ordinance Bill: Amendment – Restricting visits to security prisoners

4) Prisons Ordinance Bill: Prevention of visits

These four amendments are being merged because they cover similar issues related to additional restrictions for Hamas prisoners.

MK Danon (Likud) explained that the Red Cross brings families of Hamas terrorists for weekly visits while Shalit is lucky to get a tape out once every six months. He criticized the Red Cross for not demanding rights for Shalit. Danon said the new restrictions would affect Hamas terrorists and would be lifted when Shalit is either freed or given family visits. The Arab MKs heavily heckled the speech. The new law would forbid all family visits to jailed Hamas members.

MK Levin (Likud) expressed his view that the pressure the Hamas families will put on their leadership will increase Shalit’s chance for a swift release.

MK Solodkin (Kadima) said she had proposed a similar amendment in the previous Knesset under Olmert. She expressed pride that for once the government is doing something she can agree with.

MK Eldad (N.U.) talked about terrorists finishing high school or getting a masters degree on our tax-paying shekels. Eldad asked what circumstances have changed since his amendment was rejected six months ago.

Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitz (Y.B.) said that the four amendments by the four MKs would be softened in the committees and reminded everyone it was a preliminary reading and the chances of it passing in its first reading are very low.

MK Tzartur said he hoped all security prisoners on both sides would be released.

MK Asana spoke of his visit with the Shalit family and expressed his feeling this amendment would hurt Shalit’s chances of release. He called each one of the 11,000 security prisoners “Gilad Shalits”.

MK Oron (Meretz) said after four years we need to bring Shalit home. He condemned the MKs who want to run the Prisons Authority and expressed his opposition.

MK Tibi (Ra’am-Ta’al) said Shalit should be released and all the security prisoners should be released. He accused Captain George in the Shabak of sexual abuse of prisoners after their arrest.

The MKs who were criticized during the speeches of the four MKs opposed to the bill were allowed to speak again.

MK Danon defended the law and said it sends a clear message to Hamas.

MK Levin said whoever draws a parallel between a kidnapped solider and murderers have no place in the Knesset and do not deserve Israeli citizenship. He called their words undemocratic. He rejected the idea that terrorists should be rehabilitated at the expense of the tax payers and said he is pleased that his amendment would put an end to these types of privileges.

MK Solodkin said it is unacceptable that Shalit is getting worse treatment than terrorists. She said the Russian community supports her completely.

MK Eldad said all of the MKs are part of a play, and the Homeland Minister is the director. He is allowing the law to be passed in its preliminary reading, but he plans to bury it in the committee. Eldad charged that the Minister has the power to make these changes and the only reason the amendments are in place is because Aharonovitz won’t do what is needed to be done. He reminded everyone that the days keep passing and with each passing day Shalit grows older.

The first amendment was passed in its preliminary reading 52-10-1. The second amendment passed 54-10. The third amendment passed 53-9 and the fourth amendment passed 51-10. A discussion on which committee the bill should be sent to forced Speaker Rivlin to send the bill to the House Committee. There were arguments for sending it to the Justice Committee, the Interior Committee and the Foreign and Defense Committee.

Debit Cards Bill (Amendment – There are details missing in the transaction document)

MK Maklev (U.T.J.) discussed the amendment that would force credit card companies to show the difference between a transaction in person and a transaction over the phone.

Finance Minister Neaman said the government supported the amendment.

The Knesset passed the amendment 36-0 in its preliminary reading and sent it to the Finance Committee.

Municipal taxes ordinance and government taxes bill (two amendments on non-profit cemeteries)

MK Gafni (U.T.J.) denounced the current law that forces families to pay city taxes on cemetery plots.

MK Azulai (Shas) said that very few cities enforce the current law. However, since a few do, we must change the law to excuse people from paying city tax on cemetery plots. He mentioned that this is a bill on which he expects the coalition and the opposition to come together.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) praised the two MKs and expressed the government’s approval of the amendment.

MK Shitrit (Kadima) disapproved that the amendment would exclude cemeteries that are not part of “Chevrat Kadisha” and would therefore exclude secular cemeteries, including all Israeli Arab cemeteries. He went on to criticize Chevrat Kadisha for charging $10,000 for burial of a body from overseas.

MK Gafni defended Chevrat Kadisha and asked what this argument had to with people paying city tax on cemetery plots.

The Knesset voted in favor of the two amendments 56-0-1 and 52-0 in their preliminary readings and the bill was merged into one and sent to the Funds Committee.

Social Housing Bill

MK Solodkin talked about the need for more public housing. She discussed the 150,000 public houses until 1996 and the additional housing built to answer the rising demand until 2003, thanks to the now defunct Yisrael B’Aliyah party. This bill would increase the amount of public housing by 7,000 units each year.

Housing Minister Attias said the bill offered a good idea. He also wanted to set the record straight. He claimed the government had not added one new unit in any public housing project over the last 20 years, until last year. The minister explained that since he restarted the public housing program 200,000 people have asked to be a part of the new project and that he recently changed who gets priority over whom. Attias explained that because this was a bill that would take a slice out of the budget annually the government has to oppose it.

The bill was defeated 15-44.

Citizenship Bill (Amendment – Cancellation of citizenship for an act of terrorism or espionage)

MK Rotem (Y.B.) stated that citizenship also has its obligations; it is not just about privileges. He cited other countries that revoke citizenship from people who commit treason. Rotem explained that citizenship is not holy; it is a piece of paper that gives certain privileges to people who wish to be a part of the country. Terrorists, he said, do not want to be citizens. He also stated that under international law revoking citizenship of individuals is allowed.

Interior Minister Yishai (Shas) expressed his frustration with the current law, which does not allow the Interior Minister to revoke citizenship, instead giving that power only to the Supreme Court. Yishai suggested we adapt the American law that permits the Interior Minister to revoke citizenship of traitors.

MK Horovitz (Meretz) said the lack of a constitution creates many issues. Horovitz said that under this law a serial killer of six would be allowed to retain his citizenship while a person who drives a terrorist would have his revoked. Horovitz said we should be very careful because this is a slippery slope.

The amendment passed 20-10 in its preliminary reading and was transferred to the House Committee, which will decide between sending the bill to the Interior Committee or the Justice Committee.

Consumer Protection Bill (Amendment – telephone hold time limit for human telephone answering)

MK Cabel (Labor) explained the new amendment, which would limit the time on hold to three minutes and would exempt consumers from paying the phone charges during that time.

Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Noked (Labor) explained that under the amendment if a person does not answer within three minutes the costumer would leave a message that would be returned within three hours. She praised the bill for improving service and expressed the government’s approval of the amendment.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 18-0 and was transferred to the Finance Committee.

Copyright Bill (Amendment – Usage of public body’s photographs)

MK Shitrit explained his amendment would allow everyone to use photos taken by a public body, such as an army spokesman, without invoking the penalties of the Copyright Bill. He explained further that every modern country, including America, allows free material. Under the current law no foreign magazine is allowed to use a photograph of any Minister without being subject to a copyright fine. He said it hurts Hasbara efforts and prevents blogs, like this one, from doing the same job Palestinian blogs are allowed to do. He praised Minister Eitan (Likud) for lobbying the bill and receiving government approval.

Minister Begin (Likud) thanked Shitrit for the idea and expressed the government’s desire to see this through in the committee discussions.

MK Baron (Kadima) asked what happens in certain “gray” situations.

Minister Begin said his position is that the Justice Minister will have his say on the matter in the committee and if they can solve the issue without legislation that would be the best answer for everybody.

The amendment was passed in its preliminary reading 21-0 and was transferred to the Science and Technology Committee.

Motion on the housing shortage in Israel

MK Cabel (Labor) bid MK Baron “Shabbat Shalom” as he got up to leave for the day. MK Baron replied: “Only in the Knesset do you say Shabbat Shalom on a Wednesday afternoon”. The MKs present in the room responded with a discussion on the matter for a few minutes, including an argument over who will cook the Chulent.

Cabel then talked about his parliamentary assistant Omar Chabri, who was looking for a new apartment with his wife, and the troubles he faced and how he was left empty handed. He claimed that only in Judea and Samaria are there four-room apartments that are under one million NIS. He lamented over the new rule that requires prospective home-owners to come up with a 40% down payment in order to be eligible for a mortgage.  He asked “how can this be if we just joined the OECD?”

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen said that Housing Minister Attias is about to approve another round of 30,000 apartments. He blamed the 22% rise of housing prices over the last two years for the current situation. Deputy Speaker Miller (Y.B.) criticized Cohen’s response as not an adequate reason for the new 40% rule. Cohen said that young couples will probably be exempt from the new rule.

MK Yoel Chasson (Kadima) said that he also believed that young couples would be exempt from the new rule, and it is Cohen’s job to make sure of this.

The motion passed10-0 and was transferred to the Funds Committee.

Motion on the Acre air pollution as a result of a fire in the steel mill

MK Magadla (Labor) praised the Environment Minister for touring the area and assuring the people affected that everything would be okay.

MK Swed (Chadash) suggested moving some of the factories between Haifa and Acre so that the air pollution does not become a long term issue.

MK Walhaba (Kadima) asked the minister to conduct routine checks in the factories to make sure they are up to the standards as set by law in order to prevent such fires from occurring in the future.

MK Gafni explained that there are many houses near the factories and there should be drills on how to deal with tougher situations should they occur.

MK Orbach (J.H.) asked that something be done to lower pollution in the area and that we should increase awareness of the issue with the industrial community.

Environmental Minister Erdan (Likud) praised the 5 MKs on their motion. He expressed frustration on the pollution and said he wants to increase regulation in industry and raise awareness of the issue on a national level. He criticized the fact there are 300 traffic inspectors for parking meters and only 50 inspectors for environmental issues.

MK Chanin (Chadash) asked the minister to check what happens in these factories in the event of a major earthquake or some other national disaster.

MK Cabel said that the Knesset respects Erdan and wishes him well.

The motion passed 10-0 and was sent to the Interior and Environment Committee.

Motion on the construction of the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem

MK Magada (Labor) expressed his opposition to the museum and went home.

MK Agbaria (Labor) questioned how one could build a museum of tolerance on top of a Muslim cemetery? He also asked how moving graves in Ashkelon creates a national controversy, but when it comes to Arab graves it doesn’t matter. He asked the Chareidi MKs to assist him in fighting this issue.

MK Ganem (Ra’am-Ta’al) slammed the court ruling that allowed the graves to be uprooted. He also questioned the need for another museum in Jerusalem.

Minister Begin explained this was a decision made ten years ago and the government must support the court’s ruling on the issue even if personal opinions might differ. He also criticized the newspapers that spread lies on the story. He agreed to allow further public debate on the subject.

The motion passed 9-0 and was sent to the Interior and Environment Committee.

Motion on preventing the entry of Professor Noam Chomsky PA

MK Shai (Kadima) explained that Chomsky is an investigative expert who is anti-war and an anti-Israel Jew. Dana Kaldaron, the clerk on site, decided on her own that he would not be allowed in, telling him “you are not liked in Israel”. Chomsky gave the talk he was supposed to give via conference call in Amman, Jordan. Every international outlet condemned us, and as a result we shot ourselves in the foot.

MK Bensimon said he was not angered by Israel’s handling of the Chomsky issue, but saddened. He asked what harm an 81-year-old man can possible do.

MK Zachalka questioned why Chomsky was denied entry this time, when every other time he was allowed to enter. He supported Chomsky’s speech from Jordan, where he charged the United States of enabling Israel’s murder of 1,400 Gazans during the 2008 war.

MK Tibi asked why Israel would deny a Jew entry to the West Bank? He also criticized Arutz Sheva for misquoting him and giving the impression that he knows where Shalit is being held captive.

MK Ketzeleh asked why Israel would allow Chomsky into the country when he is buddies with Nasralla. He suggested the next time Chomsky visits Lebanon he stay there and convert to Islam. He praised the government’s decision to not allow Chomsky‘s entry.

Minister Begin said he was saddened by MK Bensimon, who would defend an anti-semite over his own country. He equated Chomsky with the academic intellectuals that caused the anti-semitism which brought the Holocaust. He read out the Interior Minister’s response, which explained that, unlike with previous visits, Chomsky did not make the proper arrangements before his visit and expected he could just get in last minute through the Allenby Bridge Crossing. The minister explained that everyone west of the Jordan River are Palestinians under the British mandate rules, a majority of which are Jewish-Palestinian. He slammed Tibi for saying that all previous peace initiatives including Barak and Olmert’s did not meet the minimum standards of preconditions to a talk. Begin asked how 100% of Gaza and 97% of the West Bank, along with a land swap, is not enough for the preconditions of a peace initiative.

MK Chanin (Chadash) asked why a professor needed to coordinate his visit with the Interior Ministry. He demanded a formal apology to Chomsky and the citizens. He also suggested the MKs read his insightful papers on Israel.

MK Agbaria started talking in Arabic and Ketzeleh demanded he speak in Hebrew. Agbaria spoke against the policy Israel has recently started of not allowing people who disagree with them into the country, like a Spanish diplomat.

MK Magadla asked Begin to compromise and to pursue peace.

MK Shitrit said this incident only strengthened Chomsky and the haters of Israel.

The motion passed 10-0 and was sent to the Interior and Environment Committee.

Motion on the release of Hamas leader Muhammad Abu Tir

MK Avraham-Balila (Kadima) stated that in June 2006, then-Interior Minister Baron revoked the citizenship of four eastern Jerusalem Arabs who were Hamas members, including Abu Tir. He was later arrested as a bargaining chip for Gilad Shalit. For some reason, in September Bibi opted to release 9 high level Hamas members, and now on Thursday Abu Tir was released too. Of course Shalit is still in captivity and Abu Tir is back in Jerusalem. She charged that out of the 60 bargaining chips we had a year and a half ago, only twelve remain.

Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitz explained that Abu Tir, like others, had their terms expire and that is why they were released. It is not the government’s official position to discuss the Shalit situation. Abu Tir was given 30 days to leave Jerusalem and if he doesn’t, he will return to jail.

Balila agreed to not bring the motion for a vote.

Motion to help Arab teachers from the north and center teach in the Negev

MK Tzartur asked to give financial incentives for the transportation costs of pioneer Arab teachers who travel to the Negev, as well as lowering the city taxes for those who choose to move and make the Negev their home. He complained their average wage of 6,000 NIS per month should be raised as well.

Minister Begin expressed his pride in the 1,400 teachers who travel from the north to the Negev every day. He expressed concerns over the Education ministry finding ways to budget MK Tzartur’s ideas, but said he would bring them up in conversation with Education Minister Sa’ar.

MK Bielski (Kadima) backed MK Tzartur’s motion.

The motion passed 5-0 and was sent to the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.

Motion on the cancelation of the road safety studies program

MK Bielski mentioned the statistic that more Israelis have died on the roads than in all of Israel’s wars. He also cited statistics that most of the accidents are caused by younger drivers. So far this year there has been a twenty percent rise in car accident deaths. Bielski said he understands the budget concerns, but we shouldn’t be cutting spending where we are saving lives.

Minister Begin said in the name of the Education Minister that the issue might get funding in a different ministry that has room to take on this important issue. He also expressed that no matter what we do as a government we cannot bring the mortality rate to zero. Begin also blamed the Government Regulation Committee of Road Safety for not sending the relevant funds as they had promised. Somehow he felt the program would be saved and there was no reason to worry.

The motion passed 4-0 and was sent to the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.

Motion on the danger of closing the dental school in Tel-Aviv

MK Shitrit spoke about what would happen to the 40 second-year students who would be left in a difficult situation because the school only enrolled twelve students this year and just six for next year. Shitrit asked for a government bailout. He warned if we don’t bail them out, they will leave Israel.

Minister Begin gave background information on the school’s history and the countless bailout plans it has received. He agreed to allow a committee to decide what to do this time.

MK Eldad (N.U.) felt that the Science Committee would be a good choice.

MK Michaeli (Shas) suggested the Education Committee.

The motion passed 7-0 and was sent to the House Committee in order to determine in which committee the matter will be discussed.

Motion on the extension of the term of office of the State Service Commissioner

MK Eldad questioned why the term of a person with that much power should be extended, especially when it has never been done before. Eldad named the respected people who are in key positions throughout the spectrum of the three branches of government. Eldad warned that this extension of four months is only the first extension. Eldad accused most public jobs of being political appointments and said the reason we failed in Lebanon was because we were busy promoting the wrong people who were related to other Generals.

Minister Neaman praised the three MKs who stayed for the important motion. He suggested Eldad should look at the light, not just the dark. Neaman said he agrees on term limits but he is in the minority. The minister said the government opposes the motion.

The motion to discuss this matter further was defeated 1-3.

Queries to the Deputy Health Minister and Minister of Welfare and Social Services

Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.) answered MK Eldad’s query on why the Psychological Council has not met recently by stating they recently changed chairmen and are currently on recess but will be back shortly to choose a new body. Seven other queries were sent to the protocol because their MKs were not present.

Minister of Welfare and Social Services Herzog (Labor) answered MK Michaeli (Shas) on the query of his office’s support of outside bodies and associations. He discussed the 400 associations his ministry supports and what guidelines each association must follow in order to qualify, as well as the exceptions. He said all this information is available on the ministry’s website. MK Michaeli said he supported the Minister’s work with all the associations and hoped the budget will be raised for such projects.

Minister Herzog answered MK Ze’ev’s (Shas) query on the failure of detecting minors in danger of drugs. He said 151,000 children were discovered in 56 different cities that are part of the program, although we believe the number of children affected is probably closer to 330,000. He said he is working on locating those children and having them join the program. He expressed hope that newfound cooperation with the Education ministry will bear some fruit. Nine other queries were sent to the protocol because their MKs were not present.