Jeremy's Knesset Insider

Monday’s session lasted about three hours. Nine bills were discussed and passed. Six of the bills were passed in their third reading and three passed their first reading. Highlights included giving returning citizens the same rights that are given to new immigrants and a bill that will shorten the time needed to receive business licenses.

Non-Bills Summary

• Speaker Rivlin wished the Muslim citizens a warm holiday.
• The swearing-in ceremony of new MK Nino Abesadze (Kadima), who will be taking MK Hanegbi’s seat during his indefinite suspension, was led by Speaker Rivlin. In her introduction speech she told the story of her aliya 14 years ago. She said that it was a privilege and a responsibility to be an Israeli and that she served her country through the press and will now serve her country through the Knesset.
• House Committee Chairman MK Levin (Likud) announced that MK Levy-Abekasis (Y.B.) will replace MK Miller (Y.B.) as one of the nine deputy speakers. The Knesset approved the measure 30-0.
• Speaker Rivlin marked the 66th anniversary of the murder of paratroopers Hannah Szenes and the six other soldiers of her unit who were shot by a firing squad. Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Noked (Labor) and MK Tirosh (Kadima) also spoke about one of Israel’s first feminist figures.
• The Vice Chairman of the German Bundestag’s visit to the Knesset enraged MK Ben Ari, who decided to shout out at her, “The Germans are a people with blood on their hands, there will be no forgiveness”. Deputy Speaker Vaknin (Shas) silenced him.
• One motion titled “Israel’s housing prices reached new heights” was discussed by MK Horowitz (Meretz), MK Khenin (Hadash) and Housing and Construction Minister Atias (Shas). The motion passed 11-0 and was sent to the finance committee.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Execution Bill

Justice Committee Chairman MK Rotem (Y.B.) explained that the amendment would prohibit the Court Registrars from having an additional government job.

The bill passed its second reading 16-0.

The bill passed its third reading 15-0.

Amendment to the Criminal Procedure Bill

Justice Committee Chairman MK Rotem (Y.B.) explained that the amendment would limit the police district attorneys’ workload and give more cases to the justice district attorneys. Rotem said that today there is an unfair 90%/10% split and this will make the situation more even.

The bill passed its second reading 18-0.

The bill passed its third reading 17-0.

Amendment to the Foreign Workers Bill

Interior Committee Chairman MK Azoulay (Shas) explained that the amendment would extend the authority of inspectors to enter foreign workers’ homes and work places.

MK Khenin objected to the bill and said that it will discourage companies from hiring foreign workers. He asked that his objection be approved, which would force a district judge to approve the new measures.

The parts of the bill with no objections passed their second reading 15-0-1.

MK Khenin’s objection was defeated 3-14.

The bill passed its second reading without the objection 15-0-2.

The bill passed its third reading 16-0-2.

Finance Committee’s decision regarding approving provisions of the customs tariff order and the provisions on the purchase tax exemptions on goods/Amendment to the order tax on gasoline

MK Sheetrit (Kadima) blasted what he called a five billion NIS income tax cut that will benefit the highest tax brackets. He warned this would increase the gap between the rich and poor.

Funds Committee Chairman MK Gafni (U.T.J.) explained that the tax cut would be closer to ten million NIS. He asked the Knesset to defeat MK Sheetrit’s objections.

The objections to the two committee decisions were defeated 12-46 and 13-27.

Amendment to the Business Licensing Bill

Interior Committee Chairman MK Azoulay explained that the bill was once part of the Arrangements Bill and was a reform for business licenses. He explained that the amendment would speed up the process of obtaining a business license in some cases. He added that city hall will have to inform any person who wants to open a business about all the information needed to receive a license. Also, the amendment would require business licenses to be renewed every 15 years.

MK Khenin objected sending inspectors to monitor businesses that are on the fast licensing track.

MK Bielski (Kadima) thanked MK Azoulay for an incredible bill.

MK Azoulay spoke out against the Arrangements Bill and thanked Speaker Rivlin for speaking out against it and assisting in splitting this amendment from that bill.

The parts of the bill with no objections passed their second reading 23-0.

MK Khenin’s objection was defeated 2-25-1.

The bill passed its second reading without the objection 25-0.

The bill passed its third reading 26-0.

Amendment to the Supervision of Financial Services Bill

Funds Committee Chairman MK Gafni explained that the amendment would allow certain people to take money from their kupat gemel (provident fund) for a limited time. He informed that senior citizens will be allowed to take out all of their money from a kupat gemel at one time instead of monthly payments.

MK Katz (Likud) explained that there currently is a 35% tax fine for withdrawing money from the kupat gemel and this amendment will eliminate that fine for many people. He expressed satisfaction as he told the story of how, through his father’s personal experience, he became aware of the tax fine. He blasted a financial consultant who took credit for this bill in the Kalkalist daily. Katz remarked that he didn’t know the man and that the man had sent an email to him after he was already working on the issue.

The bill passed its second reading 11-0.

The bill passed its third reading 12-0.

Amendment to the Patents Bill

Justice Minister Neeman explained that the amendment would modernize registering security related patents and patents from individuals who work within a company. Speaker Rivlin noted that this was another bill that was removed from the Arrangements Bill.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) criticized the courts handling of MK Hanegbi’s case and said that there is no reason why a court case should last for a decade.

The bill passed its first reading 9-1 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Amendment to the Courts Bill

Justice Minister Neeman explained that the amendment would reduce the number of district judges for local court appeals that are under 300,000 NIS from three to just one.

MK Ben Ari explained that he proposed a bill that would call acts against religious people or settlers racism. He blasted Neeman for working against his bill.

MK Zeev (Shas) slammed the justice system, which is backed up three years in most areas. He also said that three judges are needed and the cut to one is not wise.

The bill passed its first reading 9-1 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) explained that his amendment would assist citizens who are returning from at least a six year recess and present them with the same rights that immigrants receive.

MK Ben Ari slammed Shas for abstaining on the new proposed settlement freeze and for causing Oslo. He screamed at the Shas MKs saying that they want to kick him out of his house and send his children into exile. He called on Shas to show some spine and to stop selling out.

MK Zeev called Ben Ari a bluffer. MK Ben Ari started heckling MK Zeev, and MK Rotem joined him. Deputy Speaker Vaknin (Shas) silenced the room. Zeev informed the plenum that the building freeze is being enforced anyway and Israel might as well get something for it. Ben Ari stated that his house is in Shas’s hands. Deputy Vaknin stopped the discussion and sent Zeev to his seat.

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

Deputy Vaknin noticed he had a minyan and invited Neeman, Rotem, Zeev, Cohen, Hershkowitz, Elkin, Ben Ari, Orlev, Orbach and the others to join him to daven maariv after the last bill.

Amendment to the Traffic Ordinance Bill

Finance Committee Chairman MK Akunis (Likud) explained that the amendment would require all public buildings and structures to have a handicap parking section.

The bill passed its second reading 15-0.

The bill passed its third reading 15-0.

MK Orlev (J.H.) thanked the Knesset for approving his bill.

Wednesday’s session lasted about eight hours. Seven bills were discussed. Three bills were advanced, one was defeated and three were turned into motions in order to avoid defeat. Kadima MK Hanegbi’s suspension from the Knesset caused the changing of seats among the Kadima MKs. This resulted with three Kadima MKs- Edery, Bar-On and Sheetrit- voting from the wrong places at different points in the session.

Non-Bills Summary

• House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) announced the changes in a few committees. MK Orlev (J.H.) will replace MK Orbach (J.H.) in the Funds Committee, and MK Orbach will replace MK Orlev in the House Committee. MK Orbach will replace MK Orlev in the State Comptroller Committee. MK Simantov (Y.B.) will replace MK Miller (Y.B.) in the Funds Committee.
• House Committee Chairman Levin announced the splitting of the Arrangements Bill and explained which committee would discuss which part to prepare it for its second reading. The Knesset approved the split 66-2.
• Justice Committee Chairman Rotem (Y.B.) asked the Knesset to split a bill his committee was discussing into two. The Knesset approved the split 57-0.
• Communications Minister Kahlon (Likud), Housing and Construction Minister Atias (Shas), Justice Minister Neeman and Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitch (Y.B.) answered urgent queries.
• The motion on a unilateral Palestinian state from earlier in the week was continued. The Knesset defeated the proposals to accept a Palestinian state (in whatever form) by MKs Zahalka (Balad), Ghilon (Meretz), Khenin (Hadash), Sarsur (R.T.) and Plesner (Kadima).  They were defeated by the following votes: 7-55-1, 20-42, 10-56, 7-52-2 and 15-46. MK Ben Ari’s idea of annexing Judea and Samaria to Israel was defeated 3-62. MK Orlev’s proposal to leave the Palestinian state issue to negations between the proper parties was passed 43-21.
• Seven other motions were discussed on hot topics of the day. Six were passed and sent to different committees by the votes of: 15-0, 8-0, 11-1, 7-0, 5-0 and 7-0. One motion was not brought up for a vote.
• Education Minister Sa’ar (Likud), Justice Minister Neeman and Interior Minister Yishai (Shas) answered several queries at the end of the session.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Municipal and Government Taxes Bill

MK Orlev (J.H.) explained that his amendment would exempt field schools and youth hostels from city taxes.

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

The bill passed its preliminary reading 33-0 and was sent to the Funds Committee. The vote was 34-0, but Speaker Rivlin cancelled one of the votes. The cancelled vote was from MK Edery (Kadima) who had voted as MK Bielski (Kadima) instead of voting from his own seat.

Amendment to the Expansion of Ethiopian Representation in the Civil Service Bill

MK Pinyan (Likud) explained that his amendment would grant affirmative action to Ethiopians in the public sector.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen expressed government support for the bill.

MK Gafni (U.T.J.) objected to the bill. He explained that his party had supported affirmative action for women, immigrants, minorities and disabled people. He explained that because the government is against affirmative action for the ultra-orthodox, he is against affirmative action for Ethiopians. He called on the government to encourage and promote processes that would help the ultra-orthodox enter the work force.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 55-0 and was sent to the Immigrant and Absorption Committee. It was 56-0, but Speaker Rivlin cancelled one of the votes. The cancelled vote was from MK Bar-On (Kadima) who had voted as MK Boim (Kadima) instead of voting from his own seat.

Amendment to the Pharmacists Ordinance Bill

MK Tiviaev (Kadima) explained that his amendment would add instructions in Russian to all pharmaceuticals sold in Israel. He thanked his Russian-speaking friends in Likud and Yisrael Beitenu.

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

The bill passed its preliminary reading 60-0 and was sent to the Health Committee.

Motion/Amendment to the Population Registry Bill

MK El-Sana (R.T.) explained that his amendment would help Bedouins by sending their mail to their private address instead of sending the mail to the Bedouin tribes’ main addresses.

Environmental Minister Erdan (Likud) explained that the Bedouin leaders prefer to not have a permanent address and prefer to distribute their tribe’s mail themselves. Erdan suggested that the bill be turned into a motion so they can discuss the matter in the committee.

MK El-Sana agreed.

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

Motion/Amendment to the Traffic Ordinance Bill

MK Agbaria (Hadash) explained that his amendment would no longer force medical facilities and hospitals from reporting individuals’ diseases to the government in all cases and would specify which cases need to be reported. He said that the current situation creates tension in the doctor-patient relationship.

Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) said that he personally agrees with MK Agbaria, but the government opposes the bill. He asked Agbaria to change the bill into a motion.

MK Agbaria agreed.

The motion was passed 30-0 and was sent to the Health Committee.

Motion/Amendment to the Traffic Ordinance Bill

MK Zahalka (Balad) explained that his amendment would give traffic law tax exemptions to the disabled and citizens older than 65. He stated that car license and registration fees are too high for these populations to pay.

Transportation Minister Katz explained that the government is against the bill because they have already lowered the taxes of these populations in these areas. He asked MK Zahalka to change the bill into a motion.

MK Zahalka agreed.

The motion was passed 30-0 and was sent to the Health Committee. It was 31-0, but Speaker Rivlin cancelled one of the votes. The cancelled vote was from MK Sheetrit who had voted as another Kadima MK instead of voting from his own seat.

Amendment to the Jewish Religious Services Bill

MK Molla (Kadima) explained that his amendment would add a Kes member of the Ethiopian faith to every religious council in the country. He blasted the entire religious establishment and said that all the other religious Jews have it wrong and that the Kes have it right. He called everyone who opposed this law a racist and said that the Ethiopian leaders are the spiritual leaders of the Jewish people.

Minister Nahari (Shas) slammed MK Molla and his bill. He stated that Shas and the coalition support Ethiopian rights and that their record speaks for itself. He noted MK Pinyan’s Ethiopian affirmative action bill that was co-sponsored by many coalition members and revealed that MK Molla was not on the bill. Nahari asked if they should also add American rabbis to the religious council and turn it into an international mix. He asked if it would be better to divide the religious council into different sectors and not try to unify the religious public. Nahari called the bill a sham. He informed Molla that if Kes members were members of the religious council they would be forced to forfeit their state salaries by law. Nahari asked the Knesset to defeat the bill.

MK Molla responded that Kes members barely make any money anyway and that Shas has not done enough for the Ethiopian public in the last decade.

The bill was defeated 25-47.

Tuesday’s session was a short hour and forty minutes.  The only bill that was discussed passed in its first reading. The bill will reform quarterly doctor clinic visits. Attendance was perhaps the lightest of the year; few times were there more than ten MKs in the plenum. International Premature Baby Day had two motions and six speakers overall.

Non-Bills Summary

• 15 MKs participated in the “One Minute Speech” segment that opened the session. Most of the speakers talked about Netanyahu’s Washington visit. Minister Begin (Likud) responded to the MKs’ speeches.
• Speaker Rivlin gave a warm speech greeting the Head of Russia’s Federation Council, Sergei Mironub.
• Two motions were discussed. The first was a motion on International Premature Baby Day. Speaker Rivlin, MK Levy-Abekasis (Y.B.), MK Agbaria (Hadash) and Minister Begin spoke. The motion was passed 9-0 and was sent to the Health Committee for further discussion. The second motion was on abortion.  The two speakers were MK Zeev (Shas) and MK Michaeli (Shas). That motion was passed 7-0 and was sent to the House Committee to find the appropriate committee to continue that discussion.

Bill Summary

Amendment to the National Health Insurance Bill

MK Maklev (U.T.J.) explained that his amendment would reform the quarterly copayments for health clinic visits. He stated that the new bill would start the three month quarterly count from the date of the first visit, as opposed to the standard today of counting by the calendar year. He hoped this would prevent doctors from taking advantage of patients by spacing out their appointments and would also encourage patients not to wait too long to make their appointments.

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

Monday’s session lasted about four hours.  One bill was discussed and passed in its third reading. The bill raises the fine for illegal parking in handicap spots from 500 NIS to 1,000 NIS. Most of the day was spent discussing four motions, particularly the motion on the Palestinians’ desire to declare a unilateral state. Attendance was light.

Non-Bills Summary

• There were no ‘no-confidence motions’ because Prime Minister Netanyahu was in Washington.
• The session started five minutes late because there was no minister in the room to respond to the first motion, and Speaker Rivlin called for a recess. Defense Minister Barak (Labor) was supposed to be the coalition minister to answer the motion, but he is in Washington with Netanyahu.
• The Knesset discussed some of the top headlines of the week with four motions, which took most of the day. Three of the motions were passed 15-0, 17-0 and 13-0. They were sent to the relevant committees for further discussion. The motion regarding “Palestine” was not voted on.
• Labor and Welfare Minister Herzog answered queries at the end of the session.

Bill Summary

Amendment to the Traffic Ordinance Bill

Finance Committee Chairman Akonis (Likud) explained that the amendment raises the fine for parking violations in handicap spots from 500 NIS to 1,000 NIS. He told people who feel the fine is too high not to park in handicap parking if they are not handicapped. He attacked radio personality Gabi Gazit who said on the air that the Akonis would not advance or pass this bill.

MK Matalon (Y.B.) thanked the government for supporting the bill he sponsored. He said that he was saddened that he needed to sponsor a bill to stress the idea that handicap parking is for the handicapped. He questioned where Israel went wrong with its education and morals. Matalon thanked his assistants and Akonis, as well as Gabi Gazit for challenging him.

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

Wednesday’s session lasted ten and a half hours.  Eleven bills were discussed, and six of them were advanced after passing their preliminary readings.  Two bills were defeated, two were withdrawn to avoid being defeated and another was turned into a motion. MK Regev shocked the Likud by voting and speaking against the government position and was punished severely. Another highlight of the day was the passing of a bill that will force all Israeli flags to be manufactured in Israel.

Non-Bills Summary

• Education Minister Sa’ar (Likud), Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) and Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.) answered urgent queries to open the session.
• Speaker Rivlin gave a warm speech to greet the Vice President of Honduras.
• MK Whbee (Kadima) reported on the Knesset delegation to the fifth meeting of the Mediterranean Parliament.
• Prime Minister Netanyahu responded to a request from 40 MKs to rebut the opposition’s claim that the “world is against Israel – how Netanyahu’s government isolated Israel in the international arena”.
• Speaker Rivlin eulogized former minister Sarah Doron, who passed away this week.
• The Knesset approved two continuity clauses by votes of 38-0 and 22-0.
• Seven motions were discussed based on the hot news topics of the week.  Six of them were sent to committees by the following votes: 18-0, 12-3, 13-0, 7-0, 4-0 and 4-0. The last motion of the day was not voted on.
• Housing and Construction Minister Atias (Shas) and Deputy Defense Minister Vilnai (Labor) answered queries to close the session.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Securities Bill

MK Katz (Likud) explained that his amendment would remove void the obligations of a public company towards its controlling private owners if they don’t show up to board meetings.

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

The bill passed its preliminary reading 39-0 and was sent to the Labor Committee.

Amendment to the Flag, Emblem and National Anthem Bill

MK Akonis (Likud) explained that his amendment would require all Israeli flags to be manufactured in Israel. He also slammed the Israeli companies that have been outsourcing flag manufacturing to China. He announced that he had government support for the bill.

MK Sheetrit (Kadima) objected to the amendment and warned that this could be a dangerous first step against the importing and outsourcing companies.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 46-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

Amendment to the Elections Bill

MK Pinyan (Likud) explained his amendment would allow radio stations to broadcast election advertisements for the regional council’s elections.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 35-1 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Amendment to the Land Bill

MK Orbach (J.H.) explained that his amendment would force buildings with only one elevator to turn that elevator into a Shabbat elevator.

Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitch (Y.B.) explained that the government supports the bill, but only with major changes, such as it only taking effect in buildings where the majority of inhabitants or patrons are religious.

MK Schneller (Kadima) objected to the bill and said that the minority should not decide for the majority.

MK Orbach (J.H.) corrected MK Schneller and said that with the government’s changes, his concerns were addressed.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 45-0 with one MK abstaining, and it was sent to the House Committee to decide which committee should discuss the bill further.

Amendment to the Value Added Tax Bill

MK Ghilon (Meretz) explained his amendment would create a tax exemption on beverages, food products, pharmaceuticals and medical treatments. It would also reduce the tax rate on culture, newspapers and books, as well as the sale and installation of items that reduce energy consumption.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) expressed government opposition to the bill. Cohen stated that the government will not support any change to the VAT and will leave that matter to the Governor of Israeli Banks, Stanley Fisher.

MK Ghilon (Meretz) responded that rich people should pay higher taxes than poor people and that the capitalistic tendencies of the government are morally wrong. He remarked that money should be spent on medications instead of airplanes. Ghilon pointed to Prime Minister Netanyahu and said he would remove all of the items on his list and just keep the medications that are life-saving, and asked him to support the bill. Netanyahu refused.

The watered down version of the bill was defeated 23-48.

Public Housing in the Periphery Bill

MK Solodkin (Kadima) demanded that the government provide public housing for the elderly, single mothers and olim. She suggested that the Galil and the Negev are great places to build this public housing project. Solodkin charged that only the Yisrael B’Aliyah party (1996-2003) supported public housing as a party line, and she blamed everyone else for the current situation.

Building and Construction Minister Atias (Shas) agreed that no one supported public housing from 2003-2009. He explained that he disagreed with the bill because there are enough apartments in the Negev and Galil. He explained that over 500 apartments are empty in these areas and that in the center of the country there is a lack of buildings. He explained the best way to provide public housing is to advance a bill that will give 5% of all building projects to public housing.

MK Regev (Likud) blasted Atias and charged that he does not want to solve the public housing problem. She came out against the government position and welcomed any sanctions that will be placed on her. She said she was a proud co-sponsor of the bill.

The bill was defeated 29-42.

MK Regev was punished by the coalition and will not be allowed to propose any new bills indefinitely.

Motion/Amendment to the Local Authorities Bill

MK Naffaa (Balad) explained that his amendment would discipline mayors by splitting off some of their powers to other city hall officials. He explained that he simply took the State Comptroller’s words and turned them into a bill, so he was surprised the government opposes the bill. Naffaa suggested turning the bill into a motion.

Interior Minister Yishai (Shas) expressed government opposition to the bill but agreed to turn the bill into a motion and discuss the matter further in a committee.

The motion passed 36-0 and was sent to the Interior Committee.

Amendment to the Divorced Parents on Kids Address Bill

MK Sheetrit explained that his amendment would force every school to have the addresses of both parents in their records and to distribute all of the information on the children to both parents evenly, regardless of who holds custody.

Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitch expressed government support for the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 31-1 and was sent to the House Committee to decide which committee should discuss the bill further.

Amendment to the Inheritance Bill

MK Oron (Meretz) explained that his amendment would allow inheritance by adoption, as opposed to the current situation in which adopted children do not receive anything unless it is explicitly written in the will.

Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitch expressed government support for the bill.

MK Gafni (U.T.J.) objected to the bill and revealed that the great majority of the religious members of the coalition objected to the bill as well because it is against halacha (Jewish law). This statement launched a screaming match among everyone in the plenum that lasted several minutes. Speaker Rivlin suggested that religious discussions should not take place in the plenum.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 22-3, with one MK abstaining, and it was sent to the Justice Committee.

Amendment to the Water Bill

MK Gafni explained his amendment would control the water rates and announced that all of the members of the Funds Committee are co-sponsors. He explained that citizens who need more water for their daily lives, such as disabled people, should not be fined for exceeding their water limit. Because he didn’t have government support he agreed to postpone the bill, in order to not see it defeated.

Amendment to the Marriage and Divorce Bill

MK Schneller (Kadima) explained that his amendment would allow “regional registration” for all couples who wish to get married. This would allow couples to get married through any local marriage licensing rabbinate and would not limit them, as they are today, to only the city or cities in which they live. Schneller said that under this bill there will be a central online computer database that rabbis in all cities would be able to access and update. He attacked the ultra-orthodox parties for opposing the bill and revealed that the two official state rabbis of Israel, ashkenazi and sefardi, both support this bill. He mentioned that the government had supported the bill and that it passed the government ministerial committee for legislative affairs. He complained that suddenly the government changed their mind because of MK Gafni. MK Gafni told MK Schneller he would not change his mind and argued with him for ten minutes.

MK Schneller withdrew his bill in order to prevent it from being defeated.