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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 60: Civil and National Service Bills Advanced, Modeling and Divorce Bills Passed

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — 2 Comments
March 27, 2012

The Knesset’s Monday session lasted exactly eight hours, ending atmidnight. 20 bills were discussed. Nine bills became law after passing their third readings, nine were advanced after passing their first readings, and two were advanced after passing their preliminary readings. The Knesset’s last chance to topple Netanyahu’s government before spring break was unsuccessful, ensuring the survival of the government until July 30 at the earliest. Among the interesting bills that became law were ones placing restrictions on the modeling industry as well as increasing sanctions in messy divorce cases. Among the interesting bills advanced were two dealing with civil and national service.

 

Non-Bills Summary

  • Kadima’s no-confidence motion titled ‘The Netanyahu government’s tax hurts the middle class and continues to raise the price of fuel and electricity’ was defeated 34-48 with 38 MKs not present.
  • Labor and Meretz’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘The Netanyahu government’s failure in the political, economic and social sectors’ was defeated 32-49 with 39 MKs not present.
  • Hadash, Ra’am-Ta’al and Balad’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘The rise in electricity and fuel prices along with the neglect of the universities and colleges’ was defeated 27-48 with 45 MKs not present.
  • MK Adatto (Kadima) announced the Labor, Welfare and Health Committee’s request to correct a technical flaw in a bill. It was approved 7-0.
  • Finance Committee Chairman Shama (Likud) announced his committee’s request to correct a technical flaw in a bill. It was approved 10-0.
  • Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) answered 10 queries at the end of the session.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Income Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz (Likud) explained the amendment will keep women who leave battered shelters on welfare for a month after they leave. He called on the Knesset to oppose the government objection.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) said the government objection would limit the way the welfare is distributed.

The bill’s paragraphs passed its second readings 56-0, 60-0 and 59-0.

The government objection was accepted 32-25, although Chairman Katz and Speaker Rivlin voted against it.

The bill passed its third reading 60-0.

MK Gal-On (Meretz) thanked the Knesset for approving her bill and slammed the government for its objection that watered it down.

Amendment to the Sport Driving Bill

Education, Culture and Sport Committee Chairman Miller (Y.B.) explained the amendment would transfer the responsibility of the bill to the Culture and Sport Minister.

The bill passed its second reading 34-0.

The bill passed its third reading 36-0.

Amendment to the Magen David Adom Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz explained the amendment would authorize Magen David Adom to be allowed to charge money for a service even if there is no ambulance ride. He asked the Knesset not to approve the government’s objection.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen explained the government objection would take away the power of Katz’s committee on the implementation of the bill and keep it within Cohen’s ministry.

The bill’s paragraphs passed its second readings 38-0 with one MK abstaining, 42-1 and 37-1.

The government’s objection was accepted 26-12.

The bill passed its third reading 38-1.

Amendment to the Environmental Protection Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Cohen (Shas) explained the amendment would require that the reports, requirements and documentation of factories’ pollution emissions into the environment be available on the ministry website. He said this would bring transparency to how each factory is harming the environment. He suggested that the transparency will lead to factories cleaning up their act.

MK Khenin (Hadash) thanked the government and coalition for supporting his bill and his initiative.

The bill passed its second reading 33-0.

The bill passed its third reading 32-0.

Environment Minister Erdan (Likud) thanked the Knesset for approving the bill and for bringing environmental justice to an OECD nation.

Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill

Coalition Chairman Elkin (Likud) explained the amendment would give tax breaks to public institutions and non-profits that encourage operation in the settlements. He said that the country isn’t encouraging settlements so it is important to give a pat on the back to the people who are encouraging settlement in Israel. He rejected claims that Judea and Samaria residents will benefit from this bill and stressed that this bill is meant to help the Galil and Negev. He said it is very sad that there are MKs who have decided to oppose the bill because there is the shadow of a doubt that settlers in Judea and Samaria might benefit.

MK Molla (Kadima) said that Elkin’s tricks are known to the public. He said the Negev and Galil have nothing to do with this bill and this bill has Judea and Samaria written all over it. He said he was surprised that Funds Chairman Gafni was suckered into this bill and that Elkin pulled one over on him. He slammed the Independence Party for supporting this bill and the settlement in Judea and Samaria. He said that Israel will eventually leave Judea and Samaria so there is no reason to waste billions of shekels there.

MK Avital (Kadima) asked why the word “Zionist” was removed from the settlement bill and suggested that it isn’t a kosher bill. He said this bill cannot be supported if it is not clear who will benefit from this bill and who will not.

MK Schneller (Kadima) praised the bill and slammed his Kadima friends. He said someone who votes against this bill is voting against the Zionist enterprise. He asked why Judea and Samaria residents are not allowed to receive education or funding for other necessary items. He asked why a Zionist party would vote against Negev and Galil, because it might help Judea and Samaria too. He told Kadima they are running away from Zionism and the rest of the country. He said it is an embarrassment to try and politicize Zionism.

MK Khenin said the bill is dangerous and problematic. He charged this is a political bill that goes against international law, The Hague’s decisions, and the fourth Geneva Convention since it encourages settlements across the 1967 borders. He said that Zionism has no place in Israeli law or within the Israeli state.

MK Agbaria (Hadash) slammed Israel for the 500 Arab villages that were destroyed in the 1948 war and replaced with Jewish settlements. He slammed Israel for stealing land from the Bedouins today in order to build more Jewish homes. He said this summer will lead to another social justice movement that will protest the money being poured into Jewish settlements. He told the government to stop lying and just tell the truth already.

MK Zahalka (Balad) said that Elkin has brought Israel to the lowest moral point ever with this bill and it shows that he isn’t embarrassed of anything. He asked how Elkin can fine human right’s non-profits with one bill and give incentives to those who break international law in a different bill. He said that not only is Judea and Samaria Arab land, but the Negev and Galil are also Arab land that should not be given to Jewish hands.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) blasted MK Avital, telling the former head of the elite Matkal unit that he has lost his mind. He said that Zionism is Israel and Israel is Zionism. He slammed the Arab MKs for saying that Lod, Nazarith and Be’er Sheva are illegal Jewish settlements. He said Zionism is not a bad word and should be supported by the Jewish MKs. He slammed Jews for telling the army to go to hell.

MK Shnaan (Independence) said that he supports the bill because Zionism was taken out of the bill and non-Jewish settlements will receive the same benefits as Jewish ones.

MK Elkin said that Kadima’s position means that no bill should include a connection to Judea and Samaria. He told Kadima they should be ashamed of themselves.

Diaspora Affairs Minister Edelstein (Likud) stressed that anyone who read the bill knows that Judea and Samaria isn’t part of the bill. He said he doesn’t understand how a bunch of MKs came up and gave speeches that have nothing to do with the bill.

The bill passed its first reading 34-14 and was sent to the Funds Committee.

MK Avital gave a war story from the 1982 war. He said the question of the definition of Zionism is the most important political issue on the table. He said he is more Zionistic than Ben Ari and Ben Ari should shut up.

Civil Service Bill

Science and Technology Minister Hershkowitz (J.H.) explained the original bill will define how the civil service and national service operate. He said national service has been around since the 1970s when the national religious girls started giving back to their community and, after several expansions, has grown to more than 15,000 volunteers. He said the Supreme Court instructed the government to regulate civil service in legislation and that is what this bill accomplishes. He said this bill doesn’t really change anything because it finalizes the status quo of civil service in law. He rejected claims that civil or national service should be mandatory and warned this would lower the number of volunteers. He thanked the civil service members for giving to their communities even though they are not required to by law.

MK Eichler (U.T.J.) asked who is a citizen. He went on to slam the theory that those who don’t serve in the military or civil service should not be entitled to citizens’ rights. He called Yisrael Beitenu a racist party against Arabs and religious Jews. He said that ultra-orthodox Jews who have ten children are also performing civil service and are doing a great service to their country. He asked why ultra-orthodox volunteer institutions like Yad Sarah or Zaka or Hatzala are not part of civil service.

MK Zahalka said that the bill talks about volunteers and not a mandatory service; however, it places sanctions on people who don’t volunteer, which turns the service into a mandatory one. He said that his Arab youth cannot be a part of this Jewish strategy and won’t be a part of this Zionist education. He said this is an attempt to take away citizenship rights.

MK Zoabi (Balad) said the Arabs look at this bill as a political ideology bill that goes against democratic principles of citizenship. She said this bill is not legitimate and it is injustice. She said that the inequality of requiring a citizen to do something to earn citizenship is unspeakable. She said that whoever gives her rights won’t get gratitude from her. She said her citizenship isn’t a present and she won’t thank the country for not throwing out her family in 1948.

MK Ben Ari explained how he educates his eight children about their rights and duties. He told Zoabi that every citizen has rights and duties, something that exists in every normal country. He said equality means paying income tax and VAT, something the Arabs don’t feel like doing. He said affirmative action is failing this country. He said he will oppose the bill because they are calling national service civil service in order not to offend those who reject the state.

MK Herzog (Labor) said many Arabs and Jews want to serve in the civil service but there isn’t room for them. He called on Hershkowitz to find more room and expand the civil service to include them.

MK Agbaria said that sharing the burden isn’t just about the military; it is about health, education and other things too. He said civil service isn’t just for Arabs. He charged the government is trying to make the Arabs servants. He said certain Arabs have decided they are Arab until the age of 18, are Israeli from 18-19 during the civil service and are Arab again from 19 on.

MK Sarsur (R.T.) said that Arabs like volunteering, but this bill doesn’t create a volunteering society. He said that if the civil service is distributed to benefit the Arab municipalities then they can get behind it rather than deciding Arabs will go and help Jews in Jewish municipalities. He said the Arab and Druze people are the ones who need the benefit of a civil service, not the Jewish people.

MK Ganaim (R.T.) said that the Arabs built this country and led the construction efforts until today. He charged that the Arabs don’t trust the Jews and don’t feel that they are equal, which is why they do not want to serve in the civil service. He said as long as civil service is somehow connected to the military, the Arab country will reject it as it rejects the military.

MK Tibi (R.T.) said a volunteering bill is an oxymoron. You can’t force a person to volunteer and that is why this bill will fail. He said there are Arabs who want to volunteer but they don’t trust the system or the government. He charged the Arabs who do civil service do so because of financial reasons and they later regret it.

MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) said that equality is important, but it is a two-way street. He said that duties and rights go hand and hand. He said he wants equal opportunity for Arabs in infrastructure and education too, but it needs to also be in community service. He said that this bill is running away from the problem that everyone needs to be part of the burden. He called on the Arabs and ultra-orthodox Jews to serve in the civil service and give back to the country.

MK Zeev (Shas) said the bill simply defines what the civilian service is and what it means. He said this bill isn’t forcing anyone to do anything and they should read the bill before opposing it.

MK El-Sana (R.T.) said civil service is not volunteering. He said there is no equality since the Arabs have the highest unemployment and no opportunities. He said this bill isn’t good for the Muslims, so he won’t support it.

Science and Technology Minister Hershkowitz said he doesn’t believe his ears. He said this bill doesn’t change who serves and who doesn’t serve. He said 13,000 of the 15,000 who participate in civil service are national religious girls. He asked why the Arabs are up in arms against this bill since it doesn’t really apply to them. He said there is no mandatory aspect to this bill, and it is not meant to deal with the problems of inequality in society. He said both Jews and Arabs receive support from the national service girls who work in hospitals. He said this bill has nothing to do with the military since it is the Science and Technology Minister who is presenting it. He said providing them with free transportation to and from volunteering has nothing to do with basic citizen rights. He said this bill doesn’t give any citizen rights to those who serve and told the Arab MKs that they should have read the bill.

The bill passed its first reading 18-12 and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee will discuss the bill.

Right for National Service Bill

MK Orlev (J.H.) took credit for Hershkowitz’s bill that he said he wrote back in 2004 when he was a minister. He said this bill would eliminate the budget restraints on the national service and allow whoever wants to serve in the national service to do so. He said the bill would force the national service to find a place for every volunteer.

MK Zahalka opposed the bill. He said this bill splits the citizens into two groups, those who served the country and those who did not serve the country. He said the two different packages of rights for the two groups are unfair and discriminatory. He said the Supreme Court is being changed to lean more to the right, and these new laws might be allowed to stand.

The bill passed its first reading 16-6 and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee will discuss the bill.

Pawning Bill

Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) explained the bill will increase the competition among the credit card companies as well as regulate the insurance and interest policies on credit.

MK Eichler eulogized the massacre of the Jews in France. He spoke about his latest visit to France, where the Jews live behind iron gates and live with anti-Semitism. He talked about the media bias in France, which is pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel. He slammed the E.U. Foreign Minister for her words, which he said were anti-Semitic. He said the delegitimacy of the Jews and Israel in the press leads to these types of massacres.

MK Ben Ari said that every day rockets hit the south and yet the Israeli press tells us that it is silent down there. He said the 70% success of the iron dome project is not acceptable and stressed it must be higher. He said that as a customer of the defense establishment he demands 100% security, not 70% security. He said there are a weak defense system and a weak government in place.

The bill passed its first reading 17-0 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Amendment to the Military Cemeteries Bill

Transportation Minister Katz explained the amendment would give policemen, prison guards, Mossad agents, Shabak agents and other defense establishment personal the same rights that the military provides their own according to the bill.

The bill passed its first reading 14-0 and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee will discuss the bill.

 

Amendment to the Placing Resuscitation Devices in Public Places Bill

Transportation Minister Katz explained the amendment would give the Industry and Trade Minister additional authority to implement this bill according to how he sees fit.

MK Zeev said this was a very good bill and he supports it fully.

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

Amendment to the Telecommunications and Broadcasting Bill

Transportation Minister Katz explained the amendment would increase the financial sanctions on companies that violate the bill.

The bill passed its first reading 15-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

Environmental Solution for Electrical Items, Electronic Equipment and Batteries Bill

Environment Minister Erdan explained the bill would come up with an environmental solution for dealing with electronic waste. He said that every year there is 85,000 tons of electronic waste and this bill will lower that by implementing government programs such as recycling or requiring electronic suppliers to take back old appliances when new ones are bought.

MK Zeev said it is an important bill and he supports it. He said that he is worried that gangs will start buying into the electronic waste programs and make money off melting the materials down.

MK Khenin said the health and environment concerns of electronic waste are worrisome and this is a great way to solve the situation. He said that although it is less than 1% of all waste, it is 70% of the dangerous type of waste.

MK Ben Ari asked why the price tag Jewish terrorists are in the headlines, but when an Ashkelon man is killed by an Arab there is not one headline. He went on to list other murders of Jews at the hands of Arabs and slammed those who choose to keep nationalistic crimes quiet. He said equality means equality in everything. He said that although a soldier was stabbed by an Arab in the light rail of Jerusalem, it wasn’t called nationalistic. He discussed a long list of similar crimes.

The bill passed its first reading 18-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

Temporary Amendment Restricting the Use and Registration of Used Car Parts and Actions Bill

Transportation Minister Katz explained the amendment would result in theft prevention by increasing supervision in Israeli garages. He said it is increasingly difficult for Arabs to sell off parts of a car to Israeli garages with a drop of 37% in past years, and this bill will make it even more difficult. He said the amendment will go from a temporary to a permanent amendment as well.

The bill passed its first reading 17-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

Amendment to the Payment to Former Captives Bill

Coalition Chairman Elkin announced the amendment would raise the welfare payment for former captives over the age of 80 by 25%. He said 1,350 of the 1,700 former captives are over the age of 80 and will benefit from this bill.

The bill passed its second reading 11-0.

The bill passed its third reading 11-0.

MK Yoel Hasson thanked the Knesset for approving his bill and for helping the small and decreasing number of former captives. He said this bill, which was fast tracked in two weeks, will lead to an increase in welfare starting Passover eve.

Amendment to the Municipal Taxes and Government Taxes Ordinance Bill

MK Gilon (Meretz) explained the amendment would grant municipal tax exemptions to protected factories that employ the mentally challenged. He said this bill will assist these protected factories, which are in danger of closing. He thanked Noga Goldfinger for helping him with his bill.

The bill passed its second reading 8-0.
The bill passed its third reading 8-0.

Weight Restriction in the Modeling Industry Bill

MK Adatto (Kadima) explained the bill is meant to restrict hiring models under a certain BMI as well as photoshopping without including a note that a photo is not natural. She said that this would help fight eating disorders since little girls would not look at skinny as attractive. She said this bill will become law on January 1, 2013. She thanked her co-sponsor, MK Maklev (U.T.J.), for helping her throughout this process. She said that anorexia affects 1,500 victims in Israel every year and many unfortunately end up as fatalities. She went on to thank a long list of people who helped as well as the media that helped advance this bill.

The bill passed its second reading 10-0.

The bill passed its third reading 10-0.

Amendment to the Penal Code Bill

MK Adatto explained her amendment would increase the punishment for assaulting a social worker. She said that she received special permission to bring up this bill and merge it in committee with a similar bill.

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

Amendment to the Rabbinical Courts Bill

MK Herzog explained the amendment would change the time table on holding judgments on the law of divorce in order to reduce the waiting period between court dates at the Rabbinate. He added that the bill also increases the sanctions the Rabbinate can place on someone who doesn’t agree to the court ordered divorce.

MK Orlev said that he hopes his bill will require the courts to use more sanctions and that he had hoped for a stronger, far-reaching bill. He slammed the government for splitting some of his bill off but called on the Knesset to approve the bill anyway.

MK Schneller told a story of how this bill has already convinced a man to agree to give in and divorce his wife. He thanked Israeli Chief Rabbi Amar for agreeing to support this bill and suggested the Supreme Court would never agree to allow the Knesset’s restrictions on them. He thanked a long list of Rabbis for being helpful with the bill. He also thanked his assistant Jonathon Javor.

The bill passed its second reading 11-1.

The bill passed its third reading 9-1.

Deputy Speaker Maklev did not give a reason for his objection to the bill.

Amendment to the Civil Defense Bill

MK Levi-Abekasis (Y.B.) explained the amendment would establish a wireless internet network connection in bomb shelters of border municipalities. She said that the youth who wait in bomb shelters during rocket attacks are in distress and bored. She suggested that an internet connection will help the youth pass the time and will make their stay there more comfortable. She said this way people can also listen to radio, watch television and keep informed in other methods through the internet.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 4-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

Amendment to the Telecommunications and Broadcasting Bill

Women’s Rights Committee Chairwoman Hotovely (Likud) explained the amendment would allow people to call emergency abuse help centers and have that information wiped from telephone records, as well as make sure those calls are free. She said that women and children who are sexually or physically abused should be protected from the abusive person who could find out about the calls.

The bill passed its second reading 6-0.

The bill passed its third reading 3-0.

Deputy Speaker Levi-Abekasis thanked the Knesset for approving her bill and thanked Bezeq for agreeing not to charge for calls made to these emergency call centers.

________________________________________________________________

This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’sMarch 19, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/01624512.doc

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Quick Update

Filed under: Knesset, Other — Leave a comment
March 26, 2012

As my loyal readers know, the Knesset started its Spring Break on Thursday and will not be working for 39 days.

Right now, my updates are three days behind. I finished Day 60 and will put it up when my proof-reader sends it back to me. I will work on Day 61 and Day 62 this week and will get them up when they are done. After I catch up, I will focus on the polls that come out during the recess.

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 59: Unregulated Alcohol and Bible Hall in Jerusalem

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — Leave a comment
March 25, 2012

The Knesset’s Wednesday session lasted about eight and a half hours. 15 bills were discussed. Eight bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings, two votes were postponed in order to avoid the bills’ defeat, and five bills were defeated. As usual the 40-MK discussion included fiery speeches without much substance from either side. This was the last day the Knesset would be discussing preliminary bills before the 39-day spring break, which led to a longer than usual legislative discussion. Speaker Rivlin decided that the Knesset would spend their last week of the winter session dealing only with bills in their first, second and third readings. Some MKs started hinting to their plans for the spring break, which started after they finished their session on Wednesday, March 21, and ends when they go back on Monday, April 30. Two of the bills advanced would regulate currently unregulated alcohol and establish a Bible Hall in Jerusalem.

 

Non-Bills Summary

  • Homefront Security Minister Vilnai (Independence), Housing and Construction Minister Atias (Shas) and Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) answered urgent queries at the beginning of the session.
  • House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) announced which disputed bills would be discussed in which committees.
  • Speaker Rivlin gave a warm speech greeting Georgia’s Speaker, who is visiting Israel.
  • The monthly Knesset discussion with the presence of the Prime Minister by request of 40 MKs’ signatures was conducted on the topic of “The Netanyahu government’s failure in the diplomatic, economic and social sectors”. 17 MKs gave speeches before Prime Minister Netanyahu’s response and Opposition Leader Livni’s rebuttal. Netanyahu’s response was accepted by the Knesset 36-30.
  • Five motions were discussed on a wide variety of topics. Four of them were sent to committee by the votes 5-0, 4-3, 4-0 and 3-0. One motion was not voted on.
  • Education Minister Sa’ar (Likud) and Justice Minister Neeman answered queries at the end of the session.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Law and Administration Ordinance Bill

MK Levin (Likud) explained the amendment would allow the Knesset to approve technical changes to laws without needing to pass through three readings.

Justice Minister Neeman expressed government support the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 15-0 and was sent to the House Committee.

Amendment to the Violence Prevention Bill

MK Haim Katz (Likud) explained the amendment would increase the punishment for assaulting a member of the social services and revoke the assailant’s social service benefits. He went on to argue with Speaker Rivlin over the terms of the Knesset cafeteria’s employees.

Communications Minister Kahlon (Likud) expressed government support for the bill. He said that this will let social workers know the country has their back.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 19-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

Amendment to the Soldiers and their Families Benefits Bill

MK Matalon (Y.B.) explained his amendment would include benefits to those who were not hurt in the line of duty, eliminating the condition that the occurrence of the injury must be during the first fourteen days of their vacation. He said that the army has a responsibility to its soldiers as long as they are enlisted even if they are on extended vacation.

Housing and Construction Minister Atias (Shas) expressed government support for the bill and said the budget impact is minimal.

MK Eldad (N.U.) expressed his objection to the bill. He said that soldiers on vacation shouldn’t receive the same benefits as soldiers who are injured or killed in the line of duty. He suggested having an insurance package for soldiers who die or are injured on vacation. He stressed soldiers in the line of duty deserve more.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 22-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill

MK Kirshenbaum (Y.B.) explained her amendment would exempt the tax on a one-time withdrawal of financial rewards deposited for a period of at least ten years in a provident fund (Kupat Gemel).

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

The bill passed its preliminary reading 26-0 and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee will discuss the bill further.

Struggle on the Phenomenon of Counterfeit Alcohol Bill

MK Kirshenbaum said 30% of alcoholic products on the market are counterfeit products without oversight or government regulation. She said these counterfeit alcohol issues are hospitalizing children because they are dangerous and made in people’s basements.

Industry and Trade Minister Simhon (Independence) expressed government support for the bill. He tried to give his response without getting into it with MK Bar-On (Kadima) who was heckling him and the bill.

MK Yachimovich (Labor) objected to the bill and charged that this was a private interest bill. She said an alcohol supplier is behind this bill and a 14-year prison sentence for this bill is ludicrous.

MK Kirshenbaum asked if we should accept the products of those who wish to poison our children. She rejected claims that a private interest was behind her bill. She was heckled and mocked by the opposition MKs.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 25-9 and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee will discuss the bill further.

International Treaties Bill

MK Eldad explained his original bill would require that all international treaties be sent to the Knesset for approval before being signed. He stated the checks and balances among the branches of government are required in such matters. He said that he is the only MK who reads international treaties before the government signs them and has over the years saved Israel from losing its status as a Jewish and democratic state. He said that the Knesset must be more involved in the process of discussing and approving international treaties. He slammed Foreign Minister Liberman (Y.B.) for opposing the bill and decided to pull his bill for the time being in order to enlist more government support.

Amendment to the Reduction of the Cooling-Off Period for Senior Defense Establishment Bill

MK Herzog (Labor) explained the amendment would repeal the three year cooling off period between serving at the highest levels of the defense establishment and entering political life and Knesset. He said that all army and police generals and heads of the Shabak and Mossad are included in this three year cooling off period. He said that this bill is meant to keep people like Gabi Ashkenazi out of the Knesset. He charged this bill is aimed at certain people and excludes others like a State Comptroller, Bank Governor or Director of the Prime Minister’s Office. He said that he would agree to a shorter cooling off period of a year or so. He slammed MK Regev, who served as the army spokeswoman and was a Lieutenant General and who was supporting the bill and heckling him.

Diaspora Affairs Minister Edelstein (Likud) expressed government opposition to the bill. He said after serving your country for 20-30 years it is a good idea to spend a few years with your family before joining the political fray, which can be even more demanding. He said that a soldier should not spend his last days in the army deciding which party he wants to join, which can also affect Israel’s national security. He slammed the opposition for being irresponsible and proposing personal bills. He called for keeping security leaders separate from politics.

MK Herzog said Edelstein’s response was embarrassing. He asked why other groups only have a 100-day cooling off period but these people get three years. He said the playing field for everyone who wants to become a politician must be leveled.

The bill was defeated 13-32.

MK Regev (Likud) slammed Herzog for trying to create a banana republic and trying to convince generals to support the politicians they wish to join after they are released. She blasted Herzog for not passing one soldier- or veteran-friendly bill and then suddenly supporting them for personal reasons. She said his bill was not just.

Amendment to the Penal Code Bill

MK Shai (Kadima) said Israeli society is in trouble because the exclusion of women from society is increasing, and the Knesset must prevent it. He slammed separate health clinics, eulogy areas in cemeteries, sidewalks, private businesses, public events and singing. He said Israel is a free society, and no one can place limitations on women. He said that before 1997 these things didn’t exist. He said ultra-orthodox Jews in Bet Shemesh told him they are against the extremist elements in their midst. He explained the amendment would require a prison sentence of three years for the exclusion of women or for encouraging the occurrence.

Justice Minister Neeman expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that creating a new offense in the Penal Code won’t solve the exclusion of women issue. He said the solution should be elsewhere and not part of legislation. He said the attempt to make everything illegal will make the law even more difficult to enforce.

MK Shai responded in terms of the exclusion of women from Israeli society there is no room for mercy and should be dealt with swift justice. He charged the government has chosen not to fight for this issue.

The bill was defeated 19-27-1.

Amendment to the Food Bill

MK Whbee (Kadima) explained his amendment would change the welfare guarantee of payment system, so that a single parent can work for minimum wage and still be allowed to receive welfare payments. He said these women should be allowed to work for up to NIS 4,100 a month to help supplement the welfare they are entitled to. He said the current system of taking away welfare from single parents who make the decision to work is unacceptable.

Justice Minister Neeman expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that a single parent is allowed to work and receive wages for up to NIS 600 a month and still receive welfare payments. He said this bill will help only a handful of single mothers since widows and other groups are exempt under Whbee’s bill. He said the government is considering raising the “disregard” payment a person on welfare may earn, and the government should be given time to finish those considerations. He said NIS 100 million have been allocated to make a plan that will solve the situation.

MK Whbee asked why the government is spending NIS 100 million to seek a bureaucratic solution later when he is offering them a solution now.

Justice Minister Neeman responded that he is willing to turn the bill into a motion and discuss the issue in committee. Whbee rejected Neeman’s offer.

The bill was defeated 17-29.

Amendment to the Housing Loans Bill

MK Molla (Kadima) slammed the Immigration and Absorption Minister for running away instead of answering his bill. He said his amendment would create a committee to help new immigrants with their housing loans. He said new immigrants have no idea what the rules are in Israel, and their Hebrew is terrible. He said the country needs to find people who will make these life decisions easier for the new immigrants, so they understand what they are doing.

Housing and Construction Minister Atias said it is a great bill but will make the government liable for law suits if a new immigrant misunderstands the committee’s suggestions and gets into money trouble. He suggested changing the language of the bill so that it is a consumer protection issue. He offered Molla an opportunity to vote on the bill at a different time to give the government time to change its mind. Molla agreed.

Two Amendments to the Public Housing Bill

MK Bar-On (Kadima) explained his amendment would reform purchase rights in Israel. He stated it would establish a national authority for public housing. He said the social justice protests and the Israeli housing crisis are forcing the government to take a stand and improve the public housing system. He said that the authority was supposed to be implemented 13 years ago, and each government decides to push off the implementation longer and longer. He called on the government to deal with high rental prices and the resale of second and third hand apartments too.

MK Khenin (Hadash) said that Israel doesn’t build public housing and that leads to a situation where those who are eligible for public housing can’t receive it. He said the current system of private people fulfilling the responsibility of the government is not acceptable.

Housing and Construction Minister Atias said that over the last twenty years the public housing system has slowly been dying. He said that there used to be over 100,000 public housing units, but the Labor Party decision in 1999 to stop building them and to start selling the units to those who lived in them led to a drop to fewer than 70,000 units when he took the ministry’s lead job. He said that he was the first minister in decades to invest funding and put NIS 240 million into building more public housing. He said that he agrees with this bill, but the Finance Ministry doesn’t want to fund it, and therefore the government is against both bills.

MK Bar-On praised Atias’s integrity for supporting the bill even though he is the government’s messenger killing it. He said that Atias is looking for surgical solutions instead of looking at the biggest pictures. He called on Atias to build more floors in existing public apartment buildings.

The bills were defeated 21-38 and 22-37.

Bible Hall in Jerusalem Bill

MK Bar-On explained his original bill would create a Bible Hall in Jerusalem that would help Israel’s tourism, culture, education, religion and public relations. He quoted Prime Minister Netanyahu, who at one point called for a Bible Hall in Jerusalem and asked the government to support Netanyahu’s request.

Diaspora Affairs Minister Edelstein expressed government support for the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 21-0 with one MK abstaining and was sent to the Culture Committee.

Amendment to the Standard Contracts Bill

MK Hermesh (Kadima) explained his amendment would fix certain issues in the standard contracts bill so that negative money can be included in cases where it was not possible previously.

Justice Minister Neeman expressed government support for the bill and stressed it wouldn’t change existing contracts.

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

Amendment to the Lending Textbooks Bill

MK Tirosh (Kadima) explained her amendment would require a program of loaning textbooks in schools so that each year the school children give the textbooks back for the following year’s kids to study with them. She went on to praise Sa’ar for his amazing work with the ultra-orthodox.

Education Minister Sa’ar (Likud) expressed government support for the bill as long as 60% of the classes’ parents decide they are interested in participating in the program.

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

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s March 14, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/01548112.doc

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Likud 29, Y.B. 14-12, Lapid 14-13, Labor 13, Kadima Livni 15 Mofaz 12

Filed under: Knesset, Polls — Leave a comment
March 23, 2012

Dahaf poll ordered by Yediot Ahronot conducted by telephone on Wednesday evening 21 March 2012 among a sample of 502 respondents with a maximum sampling error of 4.5%.

Poll #1

If elections were held today who would you vote for?

Current Knesset seats in [brackets]

29 [27] Likud
14 [15] Yisrael Beitenu
14 [—] Yair Lapid Party
13 [08] Labor
12 [28] Kadima led by Mofaz
08 [11] Shas
06 [05] Yahadut Hatorah/UTJ
05 [03] Meretz
03 [04] National Union
03 [03] Jewish Home
11 [11] Hadash, Ra’am-Ta’al and Balad
00 [05] Independence

Poll #2

29 [27] Likud
15 [28] Kadima led by Livni
13 [08] Labor
13 [—] Yair Lapid Party
12 [15] Yisrael Beitenu
09 [11] Shas
06 [05] Yahadut Hatorah/UTJ
04 [03] Meretz
03 [04] National Union
03 [03] Jewish Home
11 [11] Hadash, Ra’am-Ta’al and Balad
00 [05] Independence

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 58: Druze and Chief Rabbis

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — 1 Comment
March 19, 2012

The Knesset’s Tuesday session lasted about two and a half hours. Eight bills were discussed. One bill became law after passing its third reading, and seven bills were advanced after passing their first readings. The new law expands Druze representation in public service. An interesting bill advanced allows the Israeli Chief Rabbi to run for another term.

 

Non-Bills Summary

* 12 MKs gave speeches during the one minute speech segment that opened the day. National Science Day was recognized by most of the speakers.

* A motion marking National Science Day was discussed by Science and Technology Minister Hershkowitz (J.H.) and three MKs.

* House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) announced which disputed bills would be discussed in which committees. The Knesset approved the decisions 10-0.

* Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) answered a query at the end of the session.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Expanding Druze Community Representation in the Public Service Bill

Justice, Law and Constitution Committee Chairman Rotem (Y.B.) explained the amendment would require expanding the Druze community’s representation in the public sector as well as in municipalities where they make up 10% or more of the population. He said Israelis owe a lot to the Druze and this bill is a way to give back to them.

MK Amar (Y.B.) thanked Rotem for helping him advance his bill that helps his Druze community. He also thanked his party, Yisrael Beitenu, for having his back and the Druze’s back.

MK Levin (Likud) thanked his co-sponsor Amar and Chairman Rotem for pushing through this bill that pays back the country’s dues to the Druze. He said the Druze deserve an identity that is separate from the Arab population.

The bill passed its second reading 9-0.

The bill passed its third reading 9-0.

Amendment to the Handicap Parking Bill

MK Gilon (Meretz) announced that 5,100 parking tickets were given to handicap licensed cars that were following the laws, as opposed to 6,100 parking tickets to violators of handicap parking laws. He said his amendment would prohibit parking tickets for handicapped licensed people who are not in violation of handicap parking laws.

The bill passed its first reading 5-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

Amendment to the Penal Code Bill

MK Shai (Kadima) explained the amendment would extend the prohibition of doctors having sex with a patient to therapists and alternative medicine practioners as well. He said it is unacceptable that psychologists, social workers and alternative doctors are allowed to use their position to sleep with patients with no punishment.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) said that apparently there are no nationalistic crimes or terror in Israel. He accused Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitch (Y.B.) of instructing his officers to coach victims of nationalistic crimes on how to leave out certain parts of their testimony. He gave a few examples. He suggested the motives are that the government doesn’t want to give out the welfare payments nationalistic victims are entitled to but which regular victims do not receive.

MK Levin praised the bill. He said criminologists and polygraph workers should also be regulated, and every occupation should have set boundaries.

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

Amendment to the Supervision of Financial Services Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Cohen (Shas) explained the amendment would lower the percentage of management fees on provident funds from 2% to 1.05%.

MK Ben Ari supported the bill. He went on to say he is an unhappy customer of the security and defense services because there are too many rockets hitting Israel and because of the public relations briefs that are unbearable. He slammed former Prime Minister Olmert for telling the south that they should get used to occasional rockets falling in their backyards like a light shower of rain. He said he is embarrassed the Knesset isn’t protecting the south and isn’t confessing its mistake of supporting the disengagement.

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

Amendment to the Israel Lands Authority Bill

MK Khenin (Hadash) explained the amendment would ensure transparency in the land authority by forcing them to advertise their decisions on their website. He said over the last eight years only 77 of the land authority’s 2,655 decisions were released to the public. He said that the public wants to privatize the authority because it isn’t acting like a public company, which must have transparency. He said when it comes to tax money there must be a trail of what is being done with that money and how those decisions are made. He said this bill will strengthen the idea of a strong central government.

MK Ben Ari blasted the police for prohibiting his visit to Nazareth, where he was planning to protest in front of the Balad offices. He said Nazareth deserves equality- equality in income tax, equality in VAT and equality in police enforcement.

MK Zeev (Shas) supported the bill and transparency. He went on to criticize former minister Ben-Eliezer (Labor), who he said routinely made corrupt decisions as the minister in charge of the land authority and didn’t publish anything.

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

Amendment to the Checks without Cover Bill

MK Shemtov (Y.B.) explained the amendment would require the bank to inform customers of all problems on an existing account before they join it. She said there is no reason to give a full history of the bank account but a new person joining an account should know what expenses or penalties he will now be responsible for. She said the bank has an interest not to warn the new customer because they can force him to pay a lot of money if he has no clue what he is walking into.

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

Amendment to the Chief Rabbinate of Israel Bill

MK Pinyan (Likud) explained the amendment would allow a Rabbi to run for re-election as Chief Rabbi of Israel. He said that for political reasons a term limit of ten years was placed on the position of Chief Rabbi of Israel and it is time that term limit is repealed.

MK Zeev recalled the political trick that forced Rabbi Ovadia Yosef out of the Chief Rabbi of Israel chair. He told them that it was that decision 30 years ago that led to Rabbi Yosef creating Shas with him. He suggested that any further attempt by politicians to interfere with Rabbis will lead to an increase in political support for those Rabbis.

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

Amendment to the Former Captives’ Payment Bill

Coalition Chairman Elkin (Likud) explained the amendment would increase the pension for former captives over 80 years old by NIS 1,200 a month. He said a few hundred people would benefit from this bill.

MK Eldad (N.U.) said it is a worthy bill, and, as a son of a former captive, he finds it to be a very important ideal to support the captives in the last years of their lives.

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

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s March 13, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/01506712.doc

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