Category: Knesset


Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 53: Knesset’s Animal Rights Day Advances Four Bills

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March 8, 2012

The Knesset’s Tuesday session lasted about two and a half hours. Six bills were discussed. Two bills became law after passing their third readings, and four bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings. The four bills advanced all concern animal rights issues, marking the Knesset’s celebration of Animal Rights Day.

 

Non-Bills Summary

* 13 MKs spoke during the one minute speech segment that opened the day. Most of the speeches were on the topic of Animal Rights Day.

* Six MKs and Agriculture Minister Noked (Independence) discussed a motion on Animal Rights Day. It was sent for further discussion in committee by an 8-0 vote.

Bills Summary

 

Amendment to the Protecting Animals Bill

MK Cabel (Labor) said he is proud to be the leader of the animal rights lobby in the Knesset. He revealed this is the most pro-animal Knesset in Israel’s history, where members of all parties support animal rights. He said this amendment will regulate the neutering of animals and reduce the number of animals killed in shelters by increasing government supervision of these areas. He said that the government inspectors will be allowed to enter private property in order to enforce these new regulations.

Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) expressed government support for the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 9-0 and was sent to the Culture Committee.

Amendment to the Protecting Animals Bill

MK Khenin (Hadash) said a society is judged based on how they treat their animals. He explained his amendment would regulate animal-related occupations. He said animals that are meant for eating are treated very poorly. He said there are problems of hurting animals because of financial interest and problems that come from an immoral place. He went back to his bill and said the new regulations will force people who work with animals to hold and transfer animals in a humanitarian way. He said regulations would also be updated on the method in which animals are killed, training animals and animals used in festivals and sporting events.

Agriculture Minister Noked (Independence) expressed government support for the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 12-0 and was sent to the Culture Committee.

Amendment to the Protecting Animals Bill

MK Zeev (Shas) explained his amendment would require the government to provide education for its employees on the prevention of hurting animals. He slammed Education Minister Sa’ar (Likud) for asking him to take out the provision that would have required the schools to teach the subject as well. He said protecting animals is a commandment from God found in the Torah and everyone must follow it. He read out several Jewish sources that consider cruelty to animals a sin.

Agriculture Minister Noked expressed government support for the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 9-0 and was sent to the Culture Committee.

Amendment to the Rabies Ordinance Bill

MK Wilf (Independence) explained her amendment would ease the regulations on isolation of animals suspected of rabies. She said additionally the killing of these animals will be reduced dramatically and the animals will be allowed to be set free in most cases.

Agriculture Minister Noked expressed government support for the bill.

MK Eldad (N.U.) objected to the bill on the grounds that it hurts the balance between protecting people from animals and animals from people. He said that every person who ever got rabies died and there is a reason the government regulations are so tough on animals suspected of rabies. He recalled a soldier that died of rabies under his watch as the general of the army’s medical corps. He said the government is irresponsible for supporting this terrible bill. MK Zeev said these dogs must be killed. Eldad said there are many new loopholes that are created in this bill that hasn’t been changed since the British mandate and they can cause an outbreak of rabies by irresponsible animal owners.

MK Wilf said that the bill hasn’t been changed in over 60 years and medicine has advanced since then. She stated the time has come to update it and this bill creates a perfect balance and doesn’t put humans in danger.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 7-2 and was sent to the House Committee to decide which committee will discuss the bill.

Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill

MK Shemtov (Y.B.) explained the amendment would allow university student interns to turn their internship into tax deduction points in certain cases. She thanked the Knesset for approving her bill and everyone who helped her advance it.

The bill passed its second reading 6-0.

The bill passed its third reading 7-0.

Amendment to the Motor Vehicle Insurance Ordinance Bill

Finance Committee Chairman Shama (Likud) explained the amendment would lower the two-wheel car insurance rates. He said the minimum monthly payment of NIS 6,500 was impossible. He stated this bill was advanced despite a fierce battle between the finance ministry and his committee. He said the minimum payment will go down to a monthly payment of NIS 4,000. He expressed regret he couldn’t lower it more but said he is happy he was able to lower it all. He noted the bill will take effect on May 1. He thanked his assistants for helping him pass this bill and the MKs who stayed to approve his bill.

The bill passed its second reading 6-0.

The bill passed its third reading 6-0.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s February 28, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/01260112.doc

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 52: 12 Bills Passed as Spring Break Draws Closer

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — 5 Comments
March 7, 2012

The Knesset’s Monday session lasted about five hours. 12 bills were discussed. Seven bills became law after passing their third readings, and five bills were advanced after passing their first readings. The new laws and advanced bills cover a wide range of topics. The last few heavy Mondays filled with many bills is an indication that the spring recess is just weeks away. The weekly no-confidence motions were defeated, as usual.

 

Non-Bills Summary

* Kadima’s no-confidence motion titled ‘The Netanyahu government’s intention to circumvent the Supreme Court decision regarding the Tal Law and prepare the continued evasion’ was defeated 25-46 with 3 MKs abstaining and 46 MKs not present.

* Labor and Meretz’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘The Netanyahu government’s surrender to religious coercion in transport, the hypocritical and false status quo, and abandoning the public by the Orthodox monopoly in marriage, conversion and religious services’ was defeated 27-47 with 46 MKs not present.

* Hadash, Ra’am-Ta’al and Balad’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘The government impairs democracy and promotes regional war rather than social justice, housing and contract workers’ rights’ was defeated 13-49 with 2 MKs abstaining and 56 MKs not present.

* Justice, Law and Constitution Committee Chairman Rotem (Y.B.) announced his committee’s request to correct a technical issue within an existing bill. It was approved 13-0 with one MK abstaining.

Bills Summary

 

Amendment to the Repo Bill

Justice, Law and Constitution Committee Chairman Rotem (Y.B.) explained the amendment would allow a repo man who resigns or retires to finish the cases they worked on for three months after they leave their job. He noted that other repo men will be able to take over cases at whatever point they were left without needing to start the case from the beginning.

The bill passed its second reading 14-0.

The bill passed its third reading 19-0.

Amendment to the Public Service Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz (Likud) explained the amendment would add more restrictions for security personnel after their retirement, including a prohibition from getting re-hired as an outside consultant at their old jobs. He added the measure also increases the punishment for insider whistleblowers within the security establishment that give tell-all interviews after they retire. He said that an outside committee with security clearance personnel will deal with special cases. He stated the bill will be implemented gradually in the next 4-12 months.

The bill passed its second reading 13-0.

The bill passed its third reading 12-0.

 

Changing the Update of the Pensions System Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz explained the bill would change the pension system of the electric company workers. He added that the bill allows an opening to use this arrangement with other public companies. He said the complicated bill will be supervised by his committee.

The bill passed its second reading 13-0.

The bill passed its third reading 11-0.

Amendment to the Prison Ordinance Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Cohen (Shas) explained the amendment would exempt prisoners who were sentenced to less than four years from appearing before a probation committee and will automatically grant them probation unless a judge decides otherwise. He noted prisoners who are sentenced to more than four years would still be required to receive the permission from the parole committee.

The bill passed its second reading 12-0.

The bill passed its third reading 11-0.

Amendment to the Sport Driving Bill

Culture and Sport Minister Livnat (Likud) explained the amendment would transfer the authority of authorized car racing to her ministry. She stated that the authority was split among many ministers and that has hurt the industry. She congratulated the industry in organizing Israel’s first two legal car races over the last two months.

MK Eichler (U.T.J.) said he supports the bill. He went on to talk about the sport of hating the ultra-orthodox. He blasted the press and the academic op-ed writers who call ultra-orthodox Jews dirty names. He slammed MK Gal-On (Meretz) for calling the Migron residents land-robbers. He blasted the leftists for inciting against the religious and ultra-orthodox. He quoted various journalists and said he would continue his speech on the next bill.

MK Zeev (Shas) bragged about his daily exercise routine. He asked why decisions on spare car parts and exporting should be transferred to Livnat’s ministry. Livnat responded that Transportation Minister Katz and Industry and Trade Minister Simhon are okay with the bill and Zeev should stop worrying so much.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) condemned the attacks on off-duty soldiers in Haifa. He slammed the media for pretending it wasn’t a crime with nationalistic motives. He went on to slam the government for downplaying nationalistic crimes against Jewish cemeteries. He slammed a particular case where 42 graves were destroyed up north, only three of the eight Arabs responsible were tried, and all they received was community service. He called on the government and press to stop covering up Arab nationalistic crimes against the Jews.

The bill passed its first reading 13-0 and was sent to the Sport Committee.

Amendment to the Prohibition on Financing Terrorism Bill

Minister Nahari (Shas) explained his amendment would define what the declaration of a member of a foreign entity as a terrorist organization means and what punishment a foreign perpetrator of terror should receive under Israeli law. He noted that a more comprehensive updated version is being worked on and this bill is meant to be the first step in changing the current rules and regulations on the subject.

MK Eichler said that the story of Queen Esther and Purim teaches us that religious people respect women and it is the secular people who don’t respect women. Minister Livnat got offended and entered into an argument with Eichler during which she misheard him and thought he said that she looked like a man. He said today the leader of Persia wants to destroy us just like Haman did during Esther’s time. He told the secular MKs that only God will save them, just like then, and no airplane or missile will make a difference.

Minister Livnat said that she refuses to take off her clothes to prove she is a woman. She said that respecting a woman means allowing her to have a career. She stated it was Queen Esther who saved the Jewish people. She slammed Eichler for his opinion of women.

MK Zeev defended Eichler then went on to discuss the bill. He slammed MK Tibi (R.T.) and his Arab MK entourage at the Jerusalem bashing conference in Qatar. He suggested they should be included within the bill. He said giving the Arabs control over the Temple Mount was a mistake and must be corrected now. He slammed the Arabs for damaging 50,000 of the 70,000 graves on the Mount of Olives.

MK Ben Ari suggested instead of looking for foreign terrorists, one can just look at the Arabs MKs who visit Gaddafi, Qatar and Abu Mazen. He slammed MK Tibi for his many controversial quotes. He said Israel has become a suicidal democracy.

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

Amendment to the Compensation for Victims of Polio Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz explained the amendment would grant polio patients who got sick outside of Israel the same compensation package as those who got sick within Israel. He said that immigrants shouldn’t be discriminated against and that this is an important bill. He did note that both natives and immigrants who got sick with Polio before 1948 have no rights under the bill. He thanked the dozens of polio patients in the gallery who came to witness the passing of the bill that will grant them their rights.

The bill passed its second reading 16-0.

Chairman Katz asked to pull the bill after its second reading and bring it to another committee discussion before its third reading. Deputy Speaker Molla (Kadima) looked at Katz, realized he was being sarcastic and called for the next vote.

The bill passed its third reading 16-0.

MK Pinyan (Likud) thanked the Knesset for approving his bill. He pointed out that the immigrant polio patients will get a one-time grant of NIS 120,000 and a monthly payment of NIS 2,500. He slammed the Channel 2 report that said he will personally benefit from the bill and receive a million shekels. He said he would only make that much money collectively if he lived to the age of 90 and suggested they try suffering from polio. He noted the Ethics Committee allowed him to pass a bill that would apply to himself. He thanked a whole list of people for helping him push through this bill into law.

MK Azoulay (Shas) praised his co-sponsor and told everyone that Pinyan is an honest man and this is a good bill. He thanked the Knesset for approving it.

MK Eichler slammed Minister Livnat and told her that both his own mother and grandmother worked. He told Livnat not to lecture him. He said it is the western society that puts women down, not Judaism.

Amendment to the Terms of Release from Imprisonment Bill

Minister Nahari explained the amendment would change the composition of special parole for inmates that have been sentenced by military courts to the same composition that is used in non-military courts.

MK Eichler said that besides the Arab MKs’ terrorism, there is also a terrorism of the media. He said as a former journalist of over 30 years he knows that certain journalists carry out acts of media terrorism against selected targets. He said the time has come to put an end to all types of terrorism.

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

Amendment to the Anti-Drug Authority Bill

Minister Nahari explained the amendment would expand the authority’s role in alcohol abuse cases.

MK Zeev said as a former chairman of the authority he is pleased to see this bill. He slammed those who drink and drive and told teenaged minors to stay away from the bars and pubs. He said this is an important bill and must be heavily funded.

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

Amendment to the Party Funding Bill

House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) explained that the amendment would make political party paperwork easier. He said that the State Comptroller, Party Registry and House Speaker would receive the same document on the same day. He stated the previous situation where the parties needed to file three different reports and hand them in on different dates was ridiculous. He added the bill also changes the rules for factions that are made up of more than one party. He noted that all of the parties have agreed to this bill and there are no objections.

The bill passed its second reading 8-0.

The bill passed its third reading 8-0.

Amendment to the Entry into Israel Bill

MK Pinyan (Likud) explained the amendment would allow any Jew who can immigrate according to the Entry into Israel Bill to be able to have one stamp from the Interior Ministry that will allow them to stay in Israel for up to five years. He said this bill will help Jews stay in Israel with less bureaucracy.

The bill passed its second reading 5-0.

The bill passed its third reading 6-0.

MK Michaeli (Shas) said this will help limit bureaucracy for Jewish tourists and one-year students. He thanked the Interior Committee for pushing this bill through quickly. He said that this bill will help encourage aliyah by being nice to Jews. He said that requiring Jews to wait in line every two months is terrible and now impossible.

Amendment to the Traffic Ordinance Bill

MK Maklev (U.T.J.) explained the amendment would require installing mandatory safety sensors in the back of every car. He said the importers would be the ones required to install them and include it as part of the price. He said this bill will save lives. He pointed out from 2006 to 2010 47 children were killed by a car backing up on them. He noted that over half of child deaths on the roads each year are due to the lack of safety sensors. He added the sensors are cheap and will be built in and tax free. He concluded the requirement will only be on new cars and not existing cars.

The bill passed its first reading 4-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s February 27, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/01230612.doc

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 51: Pre-1931 Female Allowances, Anorexia and Settlements

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — 1 Comment
March 5, 2012

The Knesset’s Wednesday session lasted about seven and a half hours. Eight bills were discussed. Three bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings, one was turned into a motion, one was withdrawn in order to prevent defeat, and three were defeated. The bills advanced would grant women born before 1931 who receive an old age pension an additional allowance, change the perception of anorexia under law so that it is treated as a mental illness, and allow tax deductions to encourage settlements. Among the bills defeated were two that deal with the ultra-orthodox and Arabs serving in some sort of civilian service. A particularly interesting day caused a spike in attendance.

 

Non-Bills Summary

* Deputy Prime Minister Ya’alon (Likud), Deputy Education Minister Moses (U.T.J.) and Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitch (Y.B.) answered queries to open the session.

* Ten motions were discussed on a wide range of topics. Nine of the motions were sent to committee for further discussion by the votes 8-0, 8-0, 5-0, 10-0, 5-2, 5-0, 6-0, 5-0 and 7-0. One motion was not voted on.

* Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitch answered 12 queries at the end of the session.

Bills Summary

 

Amendment to the Social Security Bill

MK Gafni (U.T.J.) explained his amendment would grant eligibility for an allowance in addition to an old age pension that housewives and widows born before 1931 receive. He said that a 1996 amendment prevents women who were born before 1931 from receiving the allowance for budget reasons. He revealed that he learned about this technicality when he was confronted by a woman on a radio program and pledged to fix the situation. He confessed the bill will cost between NIS 25-30 million a year but stressed that the cost will decrease every year. He said the current situation is unequal and must be rectified as soon as possible. He praised the media for bringing this subject to his attention. He went on to slam the Supreme Court for repeatedly discriminating against the ultra-orthodox Jews in court cases. He said there is no justice, integrity or equality in the Supreme Court.

Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon (Likud) expressed government support for the bill. He said these women who are over the age of 80 and are eligible for the program number 6,200 and will cost the government NIS 34 million a year. He said that his ministry is pouring NIS 28 million into the program.

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

Amendment to the Treatment of Mental Patients Bill

MK Adatto (Kadima) explained her amendment would force involuntary hospitalization for those with mental disorders, including anorexia. She went on to speak about the dangers of anorexia and noted there are more young women who die from anorexia than traffic accidents or cancer. She said last year in the Tel Hashomer hospital alone 22 girls checked themselves out of the hospital against their doctors’ wishes and died. She said her amendment would treat anorexia as a mental disorder and prevent their discharge in cases where the doctors want to keep the patient hospitalized. She said this bill will save lives.

Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.) expressed government support for the bill, although he thinks this bill isn’t necessary.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 40-0 and was sent to the Health Committee.

Amendment to the Students’ Rights Bill

MK Khenin (Hadash) explained his amendment would bring equality and transparency to the admission process for educational institutions. He said that there is widespread discrimination of minority groups and charged they are not accepted to certain schools because of racist motives. He said his bill would also allow a parent to appeal a decision by a school if they feel they were discriminated against. He said an educational institution that breaks his law would be subject to a NIS 50,000 fine. He said he would pull his bill from a vote in order to convince the government to support it.

Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill

MK Elkin (Likud) explained his amendment would allow non-profit organizations to recognize funds used to encourage settlement in the Negev and the Galil as a tax deduction. He said that the country has stopped encouraging settlement and it is time the non-profits received recognition for picking up the slack.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) expressed government support for the bill.

MK Shai (Kadima) announced he opposed the bill on the grounds that Judea and Samaria are included in the bill. He said that Kadima is against the bill. MK Schneller (Kadima) countered that Kadima supports the bill. The two of them argued until Speaker Rivlin silenced the dispute.

MK Gal-On (Meretz) announced that she and Meretz are against the bill. She said this bill is meant to help Judea and Samaria and her party can’t support it. She said that two thirds of the NGOs are ultra-orthodox and the right think they are hurting the left. Deputy Ministers Litzman and Moses got into an argument with Gal-On, and Speaker Rivlin threw Moses out. Gal-On slammed the government and the bill and told everyone to oppose the bill.

MK Elkin responded that he is proud that his name is one that makes them think of Judea and Samaria. He rejected the claims that is a Judea and Samaria bill and stressed it is a Negev and Galil bill. He said that instead of helping the leftist voters they are blinded by their hatred for Judea and Samaria. He told them they should be embarrassed that they are leftist and voting against the Negev and Galil.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 49-20 and was sent to the Funds Committee.

Amendment to the Social Workers Bill/Motion

MK Solodkin (Kadima) complained that social workers constantly remove children from their parents too quickly and before they really check the situation out. She said problematic social workers must be punished. She said that a social worker’s testimony always carries the most weight in child custody cases. She noted that many times the court sends the children back to their parents, but the scars the children encounter are great. She explained her bill would punish social workers who are found guilty of perjury with a fine of NIS 25,000 and a jail sentence of 7-9 years. She slammed the government for not supporting her bill but agreed to turn the bill into a motion to enable a committee discussion on the subject.

Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon thanked Solodkin for agreeing to turn the bill into a motion.

The motion passed 25-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

Amendment to the Government Bill

MK Whbee (Kadima) explained his amendment would allow MK participation in the Ministerial Committee on Legislation when an MK’s bill is being discussed. He slammed the government for having 40 ministers and deputy ministers. He blasted the government for opposing another common sense bill. He stressed it is important that the MK sponsoring the legislation be there to explain his bill to the ministers who need to make a decision on it. He said a lot of misunderstandings would be avoided if the MK were there in the room. He thanked his co-sponsor MK Levin (Likud) for trying to convince the government to think otherwise. He said allowing the MK to explain his bill is elementary. He said this bill will help the coalition and the opposition. He noted that his bill doesn’t ask that the MK attend the voting or ask for a protocol of what was said after the MK left the room. He slammed Justice Minister Neeman, who is the chairman of the ministerial committee, for not showing up to explain his views.

Deputy Prime Minister Ya’alon (Likud) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that the executive branch of government doesn’t need to include the legislative branch in its decisions. He said that as it is the committee meetings are too long and this would only make them longer.

MK Whbee responded that allowing an MK three times a year to explain a bill that is important to them will not make the sessions longer. He said the government’s decision to oppose this bill is yet another reason why this is a bad government that must be replaced.

The bill was defeated 21-35 with one MK abstaining.

Civil Service Bill

Opposition Leader Livni explained MK Yoel Hasson’s bill would require every Israeli citizen to serve in the army or serve their country in some sort of civil service. She said it is not fair that some sectors of Israelis serve and sacrifice while others do not. She said there is no equality in Israel and blamed the ultra-orthodox leaders for keeping their sector out of the army. She said it is not fair that the ultra-orthodox take advantage of the entire country. She said this bill will create a real unity. She told the ultra-orthodox that she will force them to serve their country. She said this deserting of the army is ripping the country apart and called on the rabbis to support her bill. She said Israel can no longer pray for a miracle to save us from our enemies; it needs soldiers. She said all citizens must serve and work, and that is the only just way. She said that there will be no more free meals.

Science and Technology Minister Hershkowitz (J.H.) reminded Opposition Leader Livni that is was the Kadima government that extended the Tal Law for five years in 2007 and she voted for it. He expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that a similar bill written by the government will be brought up for a vote in a few weeks. He said the government bill is a better version of MK Hasson’s bill and the government doesn’t see a reason to support this version. He said that there are many Arabs and ultra-orthodox Jews who serve in civil service and their numbers are growing every year. He went on to say this bill isn’t the Tal Law or a replacement for it. He confessed that he believes that every citizen must serve the country but disagreed that this bill was the way to accomplish it. He gave a story of his grandfather who was turned away from army service decades ago because he was ultra-orthodox. He went on to say that he feels that it is mandatory to serve in the army as a Jew, but real solutions need to be proposed, not problematic bills full of holes. He said any change must be gradual and done smartly. He said the Supreme Court wants to expedite the move. He said that even he feels that the 1,800 ultra-orthodox Jews in civil service isn’t high enough but that it is better than nothing. He said these are heavy issues, and politics must be taken out of the equation. He stated the government is working on an alternative to the Tal Law based on views from all coalition partners.

MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) said that Livni spoke on his behalf and on behalf of all of Kadima. He attacked MK Gafni and told him that he has no clue what the ultra-orthodox youth want. Hasson said that he isn’t anti-ultra-orthodox but he is anti watching them not serve in the army and not enter the work force. He asked why ultra-orthodox Jews in New York learn and work but in Bnei Brak they only learn. He said that he supports allowing a minority to learn in Yeshiva, just like a minority is allowed to be exempted to pursue athletic and sport achievements. He said that he believes in cooperation, but sometimes the ultra-orthodox only understand power and strength. He said that Yisrael Beitenu should support the bill during the roll call.

The bill was defeated 27-55.

Amendment to the Security Service Bill

MK Shai (Kadima) explained his amendment would force the performance of civil service or national service for those who don’t serve regular service. He read passages from the Torah which call on Jews to serve in the army. He called on the ultra-orthodox to respect those passages and serve the country. He said that the burden of service should apply to everybody. He praised the Supreme Court decision to let the Tal Law expire on August 1, 2012. He called on the Knesset to approve his bill and stop the ultra-orthodox who he said are using the country like an ATM machine. He charged that the ultra-orthodox take from the country but never give back. He said those who want to receive must learn to give. He said Jewish history is full of religious Jews who gave their lives in wars to preserve the Jewish country of Israel. He said his bill would apply to all citizens, Jews and Arabs, and the army would choose who they want for the military and who would go to national or civil service. He said in a few decades only 40% of youth will serve in the army. He called those who will go to the army at that point suckers compared to those who won’t. He said that changing the demographics in the country is impossible but something must be done to create equality. He closed with a poem by Bialik.

Minister Begin (Likud) thanked MK Shai for a beautiful speech and agreed that this is an important issue. He said the government is considering alternatives to the Tal Law following the Supreme Court decision not to allow its extension. He said the country does not have the ability to force service on such a large sector of the population and any solution must be consensual. He said that today the army isn’t equipped to draft the great numbers of ultra-orthodox Jews from any perspective. He said alternatives will be discussed and the government will find a way to encourage the ultra-orthodox and Arabs to serve in civil service. He called on the Knesset to oppose the bill. He called on public leaders to be careful of what they say in public. He said that he is not convinced that every sector in society should be treated the same, and time will tell how this issue is resolved.

The bill was defeated 23-40.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s February 22, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/01160712.doc

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 50: Tenders and Motorcycles

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March 1, 2012

The Knesset’s Tuesday session lasted about three and a half hours. Two bills were discussed and advanced after passing their first readings. The bills would prohibit age discrimination in public tenders and lower insurance prices for motorcycles. Three motions were also discussed.

 

Non-Bills Summary

* 18 MKs spoke during the one minute speech segment that opened the day.

* Three motions were discussed. One motion was sent to committee by a 4-0 vote. The other two were not voted on.

* Homefront Security Minister Vilnai (Independence) and Deputy Education Minister Moses (U.T.J.) answered queries towards the end of the session.

 

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Mandatory Tenders Bill

MK Bielski (Kadima) explained his amendment would prohibit age discrimination when deciding whether to take someone for a tender. He said it is wrong to discriminate against older people and commented they are usually better for the job because they have more experience. He said older people are also less distracted than younger people because they have more free time to invest in their jobs. He noted that every time he has brought up a bill when Deputy Speaker Levi-Abekasis (Y.B.) was sitting in the Speaker’s chair, it has passed. He said that he is very proud that his bills don’t cost money.

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

Homefront Security Minister Vilnai (Independence) complained that he pressed the button to vote and it didn’t work. Deputy Speaker Levi-Abekasis reminded Vilnai that he had resigned from the Knesset two days ago and can no longer vote in the Knesset.

Amendment to the Motor Vehicle Insurance Ordinance Bill

Finance Committee Chairman Shama (Likud) explained the amendment would change the loading component of insurance rates so that rates for motorcycles and other two-wheel vehicles are lowered considerably. He said that in 2009 the insurance companies raised their rates so that motorcycles would pay four times the amount of regular cars and this bill will repeal that move. He said motorcycles are great and more people should drive them. He blasted the finance ministry for playing games with the percentages and misleading him in the fine print.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) said Tel Aviv, Ashdod and Ashkelon are flooded with illegal immigrants. He condemned the attack on a 15-year-old girl by an illegal immigrant from Eritrea. He said that we need to worry about our own and not others. He condemned another attack in the Tel Aviv central bus station by a Sudanese who wishes to return home. He said motorcycles are dangerous and no one should ride on them.

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

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s February 21, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/01123512.doc

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 49: Busy Day as 13 Bills Passed or Advanced

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — 3 Comments

The Knesset’s Monday session lasted close to six hours. 13 bills were discussed. Eight bills became law after passing their third readings, and five bills were advanced after passing their first readings. The weekly no-confidence motions were defeated. The bills covered a wide range of issues.

 

Non-Bills Summary

* Kadima’s no-confidence motion titled ‘The failure of the Netanyahu government in preparing for home front emergency’ was defeated 31-50 with 39 MKs not present.

* Labor and Meretz’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘The government’s fiasco in dealing with poverty, deepening and widening gaps in Israeli society’ was defeated 34-50 with 36 MKs not present.

* Hadash, Ra’am-Ta’al and Balad’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘Muslim Waqf properties in Israel’ was defeated 11-58 with 8 MKs abstaining and 43 MKs not present.

* Funds Committee Chairman Gafni (U.T.J.) announced his committee’s decision to split a bill into two, which was approved 4-0.  He also announced his committee’s decision to correct a technical issue in an existing bill. It was approved 11-0 with one MK abstaining.

* Finance Committee Chairman Shama (Likud) announced his committee’s decision to split a bill into two. It was approved 6-0.

* Religious Affairs Minister Margi (Shas) answered a query at the end of the session.

Bills Summary

 

Amendment to the Social Security Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz (Likud) explained the amendment would repeal the requirement that social security needs to pay in case of error within three years. He said the new amendment requires the social security office to pay up within a year of receiving all the necessary information from the person in question. He added there will be a 1% interest assessed for every month they are late with the payment.

The bill passed its second reading 46-0.

The bill passed its third reading 38-1.

Amendment to the Implementing an Economic Change in Fiscal Priorities in the 2012 Budget and to Finance Social Change Bill

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) explained the amendment would postpone the increase in child allowance for families of two to four children that was supposed to take place in April 2012 for one year until April 2013. He explained the NIS 1.5 billion for the program will go towards the government’s plan to provide free nursery and pre-nursery for children three and older.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) slammed the priorities of Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Chuldai, who he said is spending his tax paying shekels on Sudanese illegal immigrants instead of funding the police force that fights them. He noted police reports on illegals’ crimes of sexual assault and harassment, rape, burglaries and murders. He slammed the Tel Aviv mayor’s plans to keep the Sudanese on the south side of the city and told the rich north-siders to stop their selective mercy for the illegals.

MK Molla (Kadima) slammed Ben Ari for spreading hatred towards the illegals. He got into a shouting match with Ben Ari. Deputy Speaker Edery (Kadima) called Ben Ari to order and threatened to throw him out. Molla went on to slam the government for not answering the social justice protesters.

MK Horowitz (Meretz) mocked the postponement of the seven shekel raise. He went on to praise Germany for their low rent, low prices in supermarkets and high salaries. He said that it makes sense for a lot of Israelis to move to Europe and have a better life than they can in Israel. He called on the Knesset to oppose the bill.

MK Whbee (Kadima) called on the MKs to oppose the bill. He went on to slam the ultra-orthodox students who entered a sacred Druze burial site with their shoes on and danced. He condemned the ultra-orthodox yeshiva students and said they did not act like religious people.

MK Sheetrit (Likud) said there was no purpose to the social justice movement because it failed. He said child allowances should be raised, not frozen. He said the top 10% of Israelis got a raise of 150% over the last decade and the average Israeli got a raise of 4%. He said the poor parents deserve a raise of 7 shekels. He questioned Shas’ motives for supporting this bill.

MK Zeev (Shas) said that saving families NIS 700 instead of giving them NIS 7 is very simple. He said parents prefer free school for 3 and 4 year olds instead of 7 shekels in child allowances. He said those who oppose the bill are cynics. He slammed Kadima for lowering the child allowances hundreds of shekels when they were in power. He slammed Yisrael Beitenu for trying to hurt the 60,000 families who don’t make a living and live off the government. He told the opposition not to preach unless they check their own house first.

MK Khenin (Hadash) said the bill is an embarrassment. He said the government has decided to move the money around as opposed to adding money to the budget. He said this isn’t a serious bill and shows another policy flaw with Israel’s settlement and warmongering system.

Finance Minister Steinitz (Likud) said the point of this bill is to allow the government to meet the recommendations of the Trachtenberg committee that cost a lot of money but is worth gold. He called on the opposition to praise the government for providing free education starting from age 3 and for making the school day longer in public schools. He said that overall the parents are getting a good deal. They are postponing a seven shekel raise for one year and saving money on education. He said that the government is not embarrassed; rather, they are proud. He noted that earlier in the term the government helped the poor by raising the minimum wage and increasing the child allowances. He praised Education Minister Sa’ar (Likud) for his three reforms in higher education, high schools and a free public system from the age of 3. He said the ends justify the means. He concluded by defending his policy and his bill.

The bill passed its first reading 32-15 and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee will discuss the bill further.

Amendment to the Real Estate Tax Bill

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen explained his amendment would change the court of appeals for cases of real estate capital gains and acquisition taxes. He said the change will prohibit non-judges from sitting on appeals for these cases. He noted there has been conflict of interest when certain lawyers are on the court of appeals.

MK Khenin said that he has spent two years discussing in committee the reform in planning and building. He blasted the way the committee meetings were held and its conclusions.

The bill passed its first reading 14-0 with one MK abstaining and was sent to the Funds Committee.

Amendment to the Companies Bill

Deputy Prime Minister Shalom explained the amendment would update public benefit foundation provisions regarding their executives. He said the bill will ensure transparency and create three funds that will help the public on a wide range of issues.

MK Zeev said that he agrees that most of fundraising should not be used on managers’ salaries. He said the provisions should allow the money to be spent on the day to day running of the companies.

MK El-Sana (R.T.) said the bill is bad because it doesn’t really bring any transparency to the companies. He slammed Israel for stealing Palestinian money and property. He said the country isn’t a democracy.

The bill passed its first reading 15-1 with 2 MKs abstaining and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Dividing Pension Savings between a Separated Couple Bill

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen said the bill is very complicated and should be discussed in committee. He said solutions for dividing pension savings between a couple that separate are important and should be discussed in committee.

MK Gal-On (Meretz) thanked the government for the bill and expressed her support. She said it is a social justice bill that takes a man’s pension and splits it to allow the woman to take a big share. She stated the bill will help hundreds of thousands of women. She said it is unacceptable that everything can be split into two during a divorce except for the pension and this bill fixes the problem. She said new wives were benefiting from what should have gone towards the previous wife.

MK Herzog (Labor) praised the bill, which he said will bring social justice to women.

MK Zeev said this bill is too far reaching and allows separated couples to have the same rights as divorced couples. He also said this bill encourages divorce and he can’t vote for it.

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

Amendment to the Municipal Taxes and Government Taxes Ordinance Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz explained the bill would present city tax exemptions to the 120 factories that employ disabled and mentally challenged people. He said it is our moral responsibility to help these factories. He went on to thank the Knesset for agreeing to support his bill.

The bill passed its second reading 11-0.

The bill passed its third reading 11-0.

Amendment to the Women’s Labor Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz thanked MK Levi-Abekasis for her bill and went on to praise her for a few minutes. He explained the amendment would allow maternity leave to be extended for up to another ten weeks if the baby spends extensive time in the hospital after birth. He said women need to know the country supports them in their hardship. He concluded this bill will be retroactive.

The bill passed its second reading 13-0.

The bill passed its third reading 13-0.

MK Levi-Abekasis (Y.B.) thanked the Knesset for approving her bill. She thanked Chairman Katz and her fellow committee members. She also thanked her parliamentary assistants.

 

Amendment to the Social Security Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz explained the amendment would allow a veteran an extension of time to work in preferred work in cases where they serve reserve duty. He concluded that the bill will be retroactive.

The bill passed its second reading 12-0.

The bill passed its third reading 10-0.

MK Bibi (Kadima) thanked the Knesset for approving his bill. He said this is the least we can do. He slammed the previous policy of counting reserve duty days against the time a solider must meet in order to receive his preferred work fund. He thanked his assistants and his 41 volunteers.

Amendment to the Severance Pay Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz explained the amendment would allow a full compensation package to a young person who takes a year off after high school and before army to volunteer in recognized places by the government when they quit their job in order to volunteer.

The bill passed its second reading 12-0.

The bill passed its third reading 11-0.

MK Shai (Kadima) thanked the Knesset for approving his bill. He said this bill brings social justice to Israel and supports a just cause. He said the youth who decide to give back to their communities must be supported. He thanked his assistants.

Prohibition on Receipt of Securities Processed Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz noted this is the 95th bill his committee has brought forth to be approved in their second and third readings. He explained the amendment would prohibit guarantees of securities. He stated there are conflict of interest issues in the receipts and guarantees and it must be abolished. He said it is a very complicated issue but there are no objections on the bill.

The bill passed its second reading 13-0.

The bill passed its third reading 13-0.

MK Khenin thanked the Knesset for approving his bill. He thanked Chairman Katz and thanked the Knesset for approving 95 great ideas from Katz’s committee. He said this is a bill to be proud of.

MK Yachimovich (Labor) thanked the Knesset for approving her bill. She said that she is waiting for the 100th committee bill. She said it took four years to pass this bill and now it is a reality.

Amendment to the Agency Contract Bill

Finance Committee Chairman Shama (Likud) thanked MK Alex Miller for his bill and said he truly is Alexander the great. He explained the amendment would require commercial agents and suppliers to meet European standards. He said this bill will help Israeli companies trade with European companies and stay protected on both ends of the deal. He said the sides can sign contracts that would exempt them from certain parts of the bill. He noted the bill also deals with breaches of contract and compensation.

The bill passed its second reading 9-0.

The bill passed its third reading 9-0.

MK Miller (Y.B.) thanked the Knesset for approving his bill. He thanked Chairman Shama for pushing through an important bill that Chairman Akunis failed to pass. He said this bill brings order and protection to Israeli companies abroad. He thanked his staff for helping him with the bill.

Amendment to the Memorial Day in Israel Bill

Education, Culture and Sport Committee Chairman Miller (Y.B.) explained the amendment would prohibit collecting an entrance fee for Memorial Day services and events. He slammed those who tried to make money off the families of fallen heroes last year and told them this year it will be forbidden. He said the time has come to put an end to making money off mourning families. He noted that Matalon was once the chairman of handicapped soldiers and veterans.

The bill passed its second reading 10-0.

The bill passed its third reading 10-0.

MK Matalon (Y.B.) thanked the Knesset for approving his bill. He thanked Chairman Miller for pushing through this bill quickly and in time for this year’s Memorial Day. He said this is a Zionistic bill. He thanked his staff. He said no one will be able to take money from mourning families again.

Amendment to the Welfare Services Bill

MK Solodkin (Kadima) explained the amendment would change the composition of welfare appeal committees and the appeal process of their decisions. She explained the appeal committee will have three members: a social worker, a judge and a jurist. She said that 10,000 children were removed from their families over the last decade and a broken appeal process prevented families from getting their children back.

MK Ben Ari supported the bill. He went on to slam social workers for selectively choosing which people they give services to and which people don’t deserve
their services. He charged there are many fakers that get social workers and those who really need it, don’t get it. He blasted commercials that offer to tweak the system to give fakers additional money.

MK Zeev said he disagrees with the bill because it takes away one of the jurists and replaces it with a judge. He said additionally, there is no local authority representation in the committee. He slammed social workers for being too quick to take the children away from the parents. He also blasted decisions that prevent parents from seeing their children after they lose them. He also slammed the fines on parents who try to win their children back. He told the judges to show mercy every once in a while.

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

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s February 20, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/01097312.doc

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