Jeremy's Knesset Insider

Wednesday’s jam-packed Knesset session lasted eight and half hours. The highlights of the day were the Jerusalem Day speeches and MK Danon giving out President Obama’s phone number and sending him a message from the Knesset podium in English: “Keep your hands off of Jerusalem”.

The Knesset voted on six bills, advancing three of them in their first reading, while defeating the other three. Nine of the twelve motions were passed on to committee or further discussion on the Knesset floor. One of the motions was defeated and two motions were not brought up for a vote. Two ministers answered urgent queries early in the day, while Deputy Minister of Defense Vilnai was stood up by four of the five MKs who had submitted queries to him.

Urgent Queries

Education Deputy Minister Parush (U.T.J.) answered MK Zachalka’s (Balad) query on the subject of antennas constructed next to elementary school buildings, by saying it is the local councils that put up antennas, not the education ministry. MK Ganem (Ra’am-Ta’al) urged the education ministry to take control of these matters before the students get hurt. The minister suggested the MKs speak with the Environment Minister instead.

Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitz (Y.B.) answered MK Levin’s (Likud) query on the subject of the police not carrying out the demolition orders of illegal Arab homes in eastern Jerusalem, by stating that it is not the job of the police to demolish homes. The minister explained that they are there to secure those who demolish homes, and that their presence has not been requested at this time. Levin charged that the demolition forces are ready and the police are refusing to send in their men to carry out the demolitions. MK Zachalka spoke out against the illegal Jewish building of Jonathon’s home in the City of David. MK Eldad (N.U.) supported Jonathon’s home which was under Jewish ownership prior to the Independence War of 1948. The Minister rejected claims that the police are holding up the demolitions and explained that it was government policy to resolve the illegal construction issues with diplomacy and the legalization of most of the units. The minister stressed that the police do not create policy and will oversee the demolition of Jonathon’s home if asked to by the government. MK Tzartur (Ra’am-Ta’al) asked the minister a query about the injuries of Israeli Arabs suffered through police brutality. The Minister said that in both cases the MK complained about, the police used reasonable force to carry out arrests. Speaker Rivlin asked the Minister not to respond to MK Yachomovitz’s (Labor) question because it was not on topic. MK Ganem criticized the police for their increased presence. The Minister blasted the MKs, asking why yesterday they were complaining there was no police presence and today they are complaining there is too much.

Special meeting to mark Jerusalem Day

Jerusalem resident Speaker Rivlin praised the religious Zionists for their celebration of Jerusalem Day and criticized mainstream Israelis as being both post-Zionists and post-Jerusalem. Prime-Minister Netanyahu spoke about the historical growth of Jerusalem and talked about his policies that will strengthen Jerusalem. MK Asana (Ra’am-Ta’al) was thrown out of the room for disturbing Bibi’s speech. Opposition Leader Livni criticized the government for using Jerusalem to advance their policies. Deputy Defense Minister Vilnai (Labor) spoke about his father, a historian, and assassinated Tourism Minister Ra’achavam Ze’evi. Meretz Leader and MK Oron questioned why we celebrate Jerusalem day when the city is still divided. He called on the government to recognize eastern Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. MK Orlev (U.T.J.) chose to speak about biblical Jerusalem.

A bill to ban the naming of public places after public figures that are still alive

MK Shetrit (Kadima) slammed the government for standing against his law that would prohibit mayors from naming public buildings and streets after themselves. Deputy Interior Minister Nahari (Shas) said it is not the government’s job to intervene in matters of removing certain powers from Mayors.

The bill was defeated 20-49.

Marriage and divorce bill

MK Horovitz (Meretz) claimed that the need for civil marriage is supported by a majority of the Israeli public, and questioned the morality of each person who votes against his bill. Justice Minister Ne’eman said that marriage must be retained by religious law.

The bill was defeated 9-49

Film Bill (Amendment – Declaration of loyalty)

MK Ben-Ari (N.U.) blasted the policy of giving government money to films that criticize the state of Israel and are anti-Zionistic. Culture and Sports Minister Livnat (Likud) said she agreed with Ben-Ari’s speech. That said, she explained that the Supreme Court would overturn this law if passed, since it goes against the Basic Law: Human Dignity. Therefore the government objects to the law.

The bill was defeated 2-45, with only MKs Ben-Ari and Eldad voting in favor.

Jerusalem Capital of Israel Bill

MK Shneller (Kadima) asked to create a special budget for Jerusalem events that would come from both Knesset and city taxes. Minister Erdan spoke in the name of the Prime-Minister who asked why there was a need for such a law. Erdan explained that there is already such a policy in place and that this law has a fancy name but it has no meaning. MK Shneller explained he wanted to give the issue more meaning and raise the budget, he then asked to change the issue from a bill to a motion in order to have enough votes to keep his issue alive.

The motion was passed15-0 and was transferred to the Funds Committee.

Pharmacy Ordinance Amendment (marking the packaging with the drug’s purpose)

Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.) praised MK Levi-Abukasis’ (Y.B.) bill and her flexibility on agreeing to only have her bill apply to non-prescription drugs.

The bill passed its first reading 20-3.

A bill to prevent employment of sex offenders in certain institutions (Amendment – applies to violent crimes against minors and helpless)

Minister Aharonovitz praised MK Chatubeli’s (Likud) bill and told her she had the government’s full backing.

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

Israel Academy of Sciences Bill (Amendment – goals and practices)

Minister of Science Hertzkovitz (J.H.) supported his fellow party member MK Orlev’s amendment that would adapt the State Comptroller findings on the Science Ministry through legislation.

The bill passed in its first reading 12-0 and was sent to the science and technology committee.

Motion on the Israeli Arab economic boycott of settlement products

MK Ariel (N.U.) started by discussing the liberation of the entire west bank on Jerusalem Day back in 1967. Ariel painted a scary picture and warned of the possible outcomes of the government’s silence on the boycott of Israeli Arabs on settlement products. MK Shemtov (Y.B.) criticized the Israeli Arabs of Kfar Kana for the recent wave of nationalistic attacks that have ended in fatalities of residents from Nazareth Ilit and Beit Rimon through muggings, kidnapping and drive-by shootings. MK Regev (Likud) criticized the boycott, while MK Agbriah (Chadash) praised it. Agbriah also condemned the three previous MKs, while MK Walhaba (Kadima) condemned boycotting products by either side. MK Ganem supported MK Agbriah’s speech and MK Michaeli (Shas) criticized it.

Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Noked (Labor) warned against a boycott on Palestinian products. She expressed that the matter of the settlement boycott is being discussed in the relevant committee, and at the end of the discussion actions will be taken. The minister reminded that Israel just joined the OECD, which includes settlement products, so the settlers should not worry.

The Knesset voted 11-5 and the matter was transferred to the House Committee.

Motion on Druze public protest over the confiscation of their land

MK Walhaba demanded that the government compensate the Druze who had their land taken from them for the national projects of a gas pipe line, route 6 and railroads. He said the compensation can be land or money. MKs Swed (Chadash), Amar (Y.B.), Nafa (Balad) and Ganem all criticized the government’s policy on the matter and the 4 MKs spoke in support of MK Walhaba’s speech.

Minorities Minister Braverman (Labor) supported the five MKs who were looking out for the Druze community. The minister gave a detailed account of the past three years of negotiations and the status of the current talks.

MK Chanin (Chadash) stressed the situation should be discussed in a committee and suggested sending the matter to the House Committee in order to find the right committee to solve this issue. MKs Ze’ev (Shas) and Levin spoke in favor of choosing the Funds Committee.

The Knesset voted 13-0 with an abstention and the matter was sent to the House Committee.

Motion on the meaning and the message in the agreement to freeze construction in Jerusalem and Ramat Shlomo

MK Danon (Likud) insisted there is no freeze in Jerusalem. Danon invited President Obama to visit Ramat Shlomo, and then said in English: “Obama take your hands off Jerusalem. Jerusalem always was, is and will be the eternal capital of the Jewish people”. Danon then read out President Obama’s phone number and asked that every Israeli call him at 202-456-1111 and leave him the message: “Take your hands off of Jerusalem”. MK Ben-Ari asked Danon to give out Netanyahu’s phone number to the Israeli public in order to tell him: “Take your hands off of Jerusalem”. Ben-Ari condemned Obama’s Cairo speech and asked the Likud MKs to stop lying about there not being a freeze in Jerusalem. MK Gilon (Meretz) criticized Danon and Ben-Ari and called for the declaration of eastern Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. MK Maklev (U.T.J.) tried to piece together why the U.S. says there is a freeze in Jerusalem and Israel says there is no freeze. He concluded that there is a freeze and Netanyahu is telling everyone what they want to hear. MK Bensimon (Labor) praised the MKs who love Jerusalem and then praised the freeze in eastern Jerusalem.

Minister Erdan answered in the name of the Prime-Minister that there has not been any guarantee given to anyone on any freeze anywhere in Jerusalem.

MK Ze’ev asked that the matter be discussed further on the Knesset floor. MK Ariel accused the minister of not speaking the truth about the freeze and asked that the matter be discussed in the committee of children’s rights, which MK Danon chairs.

The motion was passed 12-0 and will be discussed further in the Knesset on a later date.

Motion on the proximity talks between Israel and the Palestinians

MK Ariel wished all the citizens of Israel a happy Jerusalem Day. He recalled the victory over Hebron, the Golan and the Sinai as well. Ariel slammed Netanyahu for freezing settlements and Jerusalem. He questioned the purpose of the talks that everyone knows are going nowhere. MK Peretz (Labor) said the truth is that the government has no plan and they are just buying time. Peretz remarked that in 187 days Netanyahu will not extend the freeze.

Minister Erdan said that he does not agree with many of the Prime-Minister’s decisions, yet understands the pressure he is receiving from the United States. The minister reminded Peretz that Netanyahu has been calling for talks with the Palestinians since day one. Erdan also criticized environmentalist MKs Horovitz and Chanin for not criticizing Netanyahu’s decision to approve new Palestinian cities that on paper are environmental hazards.

MK Ze’ev suggested the matter be discussed in the Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee.

The motion will be discussed further by a vote of 9-0 on the Knesset floor at a later time.

Motion on the phenomenon of illegal immigrants from Africa

MK Dichter (Kadima) warned that the 25,000 illegals are only the beginning, as Israel is expecting another 15,000 entries this year. He accused the media for lying to the public and explained that only 20% of the illegals are from Darfur. He slammed the army for absorbing the illegals and refusing to send them back to the other side of the fence, instead of transferring them to Ketziot in the Negev. MK Ze’ev warned the holes in the fence with Egypt cause problems with weapons and drugs smuggling, aside from illegal immigrants. He charged that Bedouins in the Negev are charging $4,000 a head for carrying people past the border. MK Levin said the problem is the policy of not deporting these illegal immigrants. He suggested forming a new court system that would deal with the legal issues of deportation. MK Chanin defended the illegals. He spoke of two legal foreign workers who had a baby together and the three were deported (legal foreign workers are not allowed to have romantic relationships or children while in the country). He asked why illegals currently receive more rights than legals. MK Horovitz charged that most of the illegals in Israel are not African, but rather they overstayed their visit on visas. He spoke in favor of both the African illegals and the other illegals as well. MK Levi-Abukasis supported Chanin and Horovitz’s positions in favor of not deporting legal foreign workers who start families.

Minister Misnikov (Y.B.) spoke in the name of the Interior Minister and expressed frustration with the issue. The answer is the new security fence.

By a vote of 12-0 the matter was transferred to the House Committee in order to divide the motion into two and assign them to different committees.

Motion on the desecration of cemeteries in Israel

MK Michaeli (Shas) criticized Israeli society that such desecrations have become a monthly event. MK Moses (U.T.J.) charged that Jerusalem cannot be united on Jerusalem day if Jews are not allowed to visit the Mount of Olives and Arabs continue to desecrate Jewish graves there.

Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitz praised the police who successfully secured 2,500 Jews during the walk around the walls for Jerusalem Day. The minister said that over twenty cameras have been approved to be placed on the Mount of Olives, but they are being held up in committee due to lack of funds. As for the rest of the country, when criminals commit crimes, the police arrest them.

MK Ze’ev suggested instead of discussing the motion on the Knesset floor again, they should discuss it in the Internal Affairs and Environment Committee. The minister and MKs agreed with Ze’ev.

The motion was transferred to the committee by a 10-0 vote.

Motion on the settlers shooting toward Palestinians

MK Magadla (Labor) condemned the settlers who shot at Palestinians. He also blasted Jerusalem day, claiming there are two very different Jerusalems. MK Chanin praised Magadla’s work in the previous Knesset, and then exploded at the settlers who shot at the olive pickers, as seen on a film screened by Channel 10. He also slammed the army for not getting involved. Chanin asked the government to take away the settlers’ weapons.

Deputy Defense Minister Vilnai condemned the settlers’ actions and backed the current ongoing investigation. At the same time he defended the army for not getting involved.  He also stated that Israel will not take the settlers’ weapons, which they use in self defense. The minister also reminded everyone that there was not one injury and suggested removing the motion from the Knesset floor.

MK Rotem (Y.B.) wondered how the minister would place guilt on a certain party during an ongoing investigation based on a video testimony. The settlers who fired were civil patrollers who were defending the border of their settlement from a leftist protest. He asked that they not be condemned unless they are found guilty of a crime, even though he is sure they acted in self defense.

The Knesset dropped the bill 4-5.

Motion on the policy implications of preventing foreign nationals into Israel

MK Wilf (Labor) questioned the arrest and deportation of a Spanish diplomat on the charges of spying for Palestine. MK Bensimon supported Wilf’s speech and suggested the matter be discussed further.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon (Y.B.) explained that his ministry has no power in such matters and the matter should be brought in front of the Interior Minister. That said, Ayalon said he agreed with Wilf and Bensimon. The minister said he wants to create a position in the ministry where there would be a person in the airport 24 hours a day in order to welcome diplomats and prevent disasters.

The Knesset voted 11-0 and the motion was transferred to the Internal Affairs and Environment Committee.

Motion on the burning of Israeli flags by immigrant children

MK Azulai (Shas) slammed the Russian community for flag burning. He expressed his feeling that there are more Russian flag burners than there are Charedi flag burners. Azulai called on all citizens to respect the flag.

Minister Aharonovitz briefed the Knesset on the investigation and charges of the Russian flag burners. The minister and MK agreed not bring the motion up for a vote.

Motion on the arson of two synagogues in Jerusalem

MK Ze’ev expressed frustration over the arson committed by secular citizens who entered Charedi areas on Lag b’omer and set fire to the shuls and their Aron Habrit.

Minister Aharonovitz briefed the Knesset on the investigations, arrests and charges in both cases. The minister and MK agreed not bring the motion up for a vote.

Motion on the information released to the buyer in used car sales.

MK Maklev asked why the Transportation Ministry insists on protecting the seller while leaving the buyer blind. He also talked about car insurance loopholes that endanger drivers everywhere.

Minister Meridor (Likud) answered in the name of the Transportation Minister that it was a worthy motion, and that the ministry is working on these very issues. The key is the balance between information about the car that should be released and certain personal information about the seller that should remain hidden.

The Knesset voted 8-0 and the motion was sent to the Finance Committee.

Motion on the “Edva Report” that found that the financial crisis has hurt employees more than employers

MK Mula (Kadima) pondered why Israel entered the OECD if the figures of this report are true. He also warned that Kadima will make it very hard to pass the budget this year.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) cited statistics of the average employee which went up every year from 2003 until the economic collapse in 2008. He therefore suggested that the numbers of this year be taken with a grain of salt, since in the big picture the gaps are not as big as they were a decade ago.

The Knesset voted 5-0 and the motion was sent to the Funds Committee.

Queries for the Deputy Defense Ministry Vilnai

Deputy Minister Vilnai answered MK Ariel’s query by saying that the facts on the question he asked were found to be not true, so he will not answer the query. Ariel praised Vilnai who was a commander in the paratroopers unit during 1967.

Four of the five queries went to the protocol because the MKs asking were not present. The deputy minister expressed frustration to the deputy speaker that he had to wait eight and a half hours to tell MK Ariel that he could not help him, while the other four MKs are at home finishing their dinners

The Knesset marked two very different events today: 65 years since the victory over Nazi Germany and National Student Day. The Knesset also chose today an Arab, MK Magadela (Labor), as the Knesset’s 9^th Deputy Speaker, despite the National Union’s objections. The Knesset now has 3 deputies who are not Jewish, MKs Walhaba and Tibi being the others. Only 20 MKs chose to participate in the one minute speech segment and attendance was light throughout the short day that lasted about 3 hours.

One Minute Speeches

Seven of the twenty MKs chose to discuss the victory over the Nazis, while five Arab MKs chose to talk about Arab issues.

MK Wilf (Labor), MK Tirosh (Kadima), MK Orbach (U.T.J.), MK Levi-Abuksis (Y.B.), MK Boaim (Kadima), MK Micheali (Shas) and MK Agbriah (Chadash) all discussed the significance of the victory over Nazi Germany 65 years ago. MK Baraka (Chadash) and MK Magadela (Labor) talked about Israel joining the OECD despite the tough position of Arabs in the country. MK Ganem (Ra’am-Ta’al) and MK Zachalka (Balad) blasted the government for supporting the recent arrests of Israeli Arabs accused of being spies saying it was unjust. MK Zoabi (Balad) talked about the discrimination against Arab students.

MK Zoaretz (Kadima) talked about the recent wave of robbing and murdering elderly people. MK Bensimon (Labor) talked about the national student day. MK Shai (Kadima) talked about his recent trip to the states and reported that American Jews are worried about the relations between Israel and the U.S. The second issue that worries them is the conversion issue. MK Ben-Ari (N.U.) gave a dvar torah on parshat Bamidbar. MK Mula (Kadima) talked about Jerusalem day and how Jerusalem became the poorest city in the country. MK Ariel (N.U.) talked about the settlement freezes ending on Sukkot and the possibility of authorizing building in Jerusalem in honor of Jerusalem Day tomorrow. MK Eldad (N.U.) talked about the end of the settlement freeze and accused the Arabs of destroying Jewish archeological items on the temple mount. MK Levin (Likud) talked about his recent visit to Chevron’s Jewish community and criticized the illegal construction of Arab homes.

Vote on House Committee’s recommendation regarding the appointment of Deputy Speaker of the Knesset

House Committee Chairman Levin presented the nomination of MK Magadla (Labor) who was chosen to replace former Labor MK Tamir as the 9^th Deputy Speaker.

The selection was passed by a vote of 28-2. MKs Ben-Ari and Eldad voted against.

Special meeting to mark 65 years since the victory over Nazi Germany

Speaker of the House Rivlin, Prime-minister Netanyahu and Opposition Leader Livni all gave speeches marking the very special day.

Minister Landver (Y.B.), Minister and holocaust survivor Peled (Likud), and Arab MK Bareka (Chadash) also spoke in honor of the day.

National Student Day

Speaker Rivlin gave a speech on the importance of the day.

MK Miller (Y.B.), chairman of the student lobby in Knesset and the second youngest Knesset member, spoke proudly of all the laws he successfully passed in the Knesset, including the Student Bill.

Opposition Leader Livni acccused the Likud of voting against student rights.

Further Discussion on Student Day

MK Tirosh expressed her frustration about the issues of today’s higher education. She questioned how extreme left professors are allowed to use their positions to speak against the state of Israel and the I.D.F. and suggested the education ministry order a poll in order to check how widespread the situation is.

MK Wilf talked about the need to give students more rights in order to increase the number of Israelis who go to college and expressed the need to bring back to Israel the academics who have left the country.

MK Zuabi brought statistics that displayed the number of Arabs accepted into university this year as 7% of the population, down from a previous high of 9%. She claimed that most Arabs learn in Jordan or Jenin instead.

MK Eldad questioned why affirmative action wasn’t enough for Zuabi and told the Arabs to study harder if they want to learn in university. Eldad expressed frustration that his bill that would help students was defeated by the government last week. He also doubted that the Likud would do anything that they promised on the subject.

MK Regev (Likud) talked about the visit to the City of David in Jerusalem that she took with students earlier in the day. She exploded at the universities for discriminating against reserve soldiers, reading several letters her office received.

Education Minister Sa’ar (Likud) praised the 5 MKs who brought up a wide spectrum of issues. He said that many of the problems have been there for a long time. He assured that things are getting better, slowly, perhaps, but still getting better.

Other Notes:

Notice by the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee that would apply the continuity law to the Adopting Children Bill. MK Rotem (Y.B.) chairman of the committee asked that everyone support him on this matter.

Today’s session that went a little over 4 hours focused on the two motions of no-confidence in the government on the topics of Charadi and Arab education. A bill was passed and two ministers answered queries. Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitch (Y.B.) had 23 to answer for compared to Agriculture Minister Simchon (Labor) who had just five.

Two Motions of no-confidence

First motion of no confidence on behalf of Kadima on the topic of “Netanyahu government’s perpetuation of a record-breaking state education gap between secular and orthodox education and keeps silent in front of the polarization, differentiation due to rising violence in society only desire to survive at any cost”. (It didn’t make sense in Hebrew either.)

MK Tirosh (Kadima) complained about the high budget given to the charedi sector. She warned of an upcoming demographic war with charedim and cited statistics that charedim will take over the country. She maintained controlling their education is the only way to modernize them.

Education Minister Sa’ar (Education) questioned the hypocrisy of MK Tirosh who carried out the very policy she is criticizing from 2001-2005 as director of the education ministry and from 2006-2009 as a coalition Kadima MK in the Education Committee. Sa’ar charged that Kadima started this mess with passing the very laws it accused the Likud of following and it is weird to try and bring down the government on something that clearly isn’t its fault.  MK Tirosh was thrown out of the room for disturbing the minister’s response. The minister stated that there were no magic answers, but there are plans his ministry is working on, and they will be publicized shortly.

Second motion of no confidence on behalf of the Arab parties- Ra’am-Ta’al, Hadash and Balad- on the topic of “the continuing discrimination against the Arab population in the country in education and employment.”

MK Ganem (Ra’am-Ta’al) slammed the government’s treatment of Arabs and questioned the democratic state of the country, both in regards to education and employment in the Arab sector. He lectured that democracy is not about money, it is about people.

Minister of Minority Affairs Braverman (Labor) remarked that there are things that are being done, but agreed they weren’t enough. He pledged to come up with new plans that will do more for the Arab public’s need for employment and education.

Discussion on the two motions

MK Mula (Kadima) criticized charedi society as a whole. MK Amar (Y.B.), a druze, defended the government. MK Bensimon (Labor) blamed the charedi leadership for today’s situation. MK Ze’ev (Shas) questioned the loyalty of Arabs to the state, especially MK Ganem who publicly supports Iran. MK Gafni (U.T.J.) listed the amount of laws he passed in Labor and Kadima governments. Gafni confessed he doesn’t try to pass as many laws during a Likud administration because they are harder to pass into law with the left in the opposition. MK Tibi (Ra’am-Ta’al) went on a rant calling all Israelis racist. MK Ariel (N.U.) suggested Kadima give the Likud a hug instead of voting on a useless no-confidence motion that would surely fail. Ariel said he looks forward to chol hamoed sukkot when the settlement freeze ends. Ariel questioned how certain members of the government could stay silent with the Jerusalem freeze that started in December. MK Chanin (Chadash) wondered if Bibi broke the record for most parties (including coalition parties) that did not believe him or in him. MK Horovitz (Meretz) talked in support of Kadima’s motion. MK Orbach (U.T.J.) blasted his liberal friends for supporting the wishes of the Arabs but criticizing the wishes of the charedim. MK Chutobeli (Likud) said the government has done a lot, and will do more in the charedi education matters.

Kadima’s no-confidence motion was defeated 29-49-1, with 41 MKs not present. The second no-confidence motion fell 24-51, with 45 MKs not voting.

Vote on Amendment to Life Financial Services Control Bill

Agriculture Minister Simchon’s (Labor) amendment would reduce the number of people that would profit from the bill. MK Oron (Meretz) said he objected to parts of the bill but would vote in favor. MK Ben-Ari (N.U.) chose to talk about Jerusalem Day and how few people today care about it. MK Eldad (N.U.) chose to talk about the Jerusalem housing freeze.

The bill was passed in its first reading 21-0 and will be sent to the Committee on Labor, Social Affairs and Health.

Queries to Agriculture Minister Simchon (Labor)

The minister answered MK Finin’s (Likud) query on the lack of funding for neutering cats. The minister agreed it was a problem, and assured he would work on budgeting for this important issue.

Four other queries went to the protocol because the MKs were not present for the minister’s response.

Queries to Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitch (Y.B.)

The Minister answered 11 of the 23 queries, while the rest went straight to the protocol.

The minister answered MK Ben-Ari’s query on why the police uses more force on religious people and settlers during protests than they do on seculars (bikers, for instance). The minister disclosed details about the specific protest that was discussed in the query and rejected the general claim that the police show favoritism. MK Ben-Ari asked why the police are punishing protesters when it is only their duty to arrest them. The minister expressed that in each case the commanding officer has his own considerations, and the minister can’t compare two cases effectively.

MK Ben-Ari’s second query was on the Arab protest in Lod where MKs called for the destruction of the State of Israel. The minister defended that there were no laws broken during the protest. MK Ben-Ari said he has video evidence and police testimony that shows otherwise. The minister agreed to watch the tape.

MK Ben-Ari’s third query was on the subject of sentences given to individuals who injure public officials. The MK questioned why the man who threw a shoe at the Supreme Court Justice had an indictment within a day, while the woman who injured him was never indicted. The minister corrected that the woman received two indictments; they just came at a later time. The MK criticized the minister for not updating him on the progress of the investigation and that it took a query on the Knesset floor to get real answers. The minister chose not to respond further.

MK Ben-Ari’s fourth query was on the incitement of violence on the temple mount. The minister defended the police who chose not to involve themselves in a very delicate sensitive matter. MK Ben-Ari questioned why rabbis are held to a different standard than imams. The minister said he would look into the specific situation discussed.

The minister answered MK Azulai’s (Shas) query on the current crime wave in Tel Aviv by the illegal African refugee population. The minister quoted many statistics that the number of cases opened by the police has decreased over the last year and therefore there is no crime wave in Tel Aviv.

MK Azulai’s second query was on the subject of over 160 files opened up against elected officials from 2007-2009. MK Eldad laughed that half of those were against Olmert. The minister said he didn’t know how many of the files were closed, but many never reached trial for different reasons.

MK Azulai’s third query was on the conditions of the Migrash Harusim jail in Jerusalem. The minister answered that in 2007 the jail was transferred from the police to the prison authority and currently has a capacity of 314 prisoners. A third of the cells were renovated in 2009, and more plans are on the way.

The minister answered MK Chotobeli’s query on the destruction of a shul in Nachliel. The minister reported that the torah and books were removed before the shul was destroyed. The MK accused the minister of not following the rules passed by the justice committee regarding the evacuation of outposts. The minister said he was aware of the laws, and not to worry.

The minister answered MK Vaknin’s (Shas) query about the increase of neo-nazi activity in Haifa. Recently, three people were arrested in two separate incidents. The minister cited the number of cases opened in the last five years, as follows: 2005- 2, 2006- 1, 2007- 23, 2008- 1, 2009- 8.

The minister answered MK Ariel’s query about the limitations of the traditional walk around the walls on Jerusalem Day. The minister said the march of 1,500-2,000 citizens needs the protection of 200 policemen. The limitations were also placed because of the vandalism that has transpired in past years. The minister added that the Lions Gate must be kept open for traffic for ambulances, and therefore the route had to be adjusted.

The minister answered MK Eldad’s query on the disruption of Jewish prayers in Jaffa. The minister said that the police are heavily involved in the case and that the MK shouldn’t worry. The MK replied that those who pray Shabbat morning and get hosed inside their shul by Arab neighbors should be the ones the minister addresses that to.

12 other queries went to the protocol because the MKs were not present for the minister’s response.

Other Notes:

The Knesset voted 46-0 in favor of transferring an internal matter from the Knesset house committee to a relevant committee.

How would I summarize Wednesday’s exhausting session that was 15 minutes short of 8 hours? Well we had 6 bills, the first 3 passed and the next 3 were defeated. 9 of the 11 motions were approved, with one being defeated and one not requiring a vote. We had queries addressed towards several ministries. The hot issues of the week were all discussed and interesting figures exposed that 93% of Israel’s academic staff are Ashkenazi Jews made news as well.

Speaker Rivlin opened the session marking Ron Arad’s 51^st birthday.

Query for Infrastructure Minister Landau (Y.B.) on the Druze – gas line crisis.

MK Ezra (Kadima) surprisingly supported the government decision on the pipe line and expressed hope for a just outcome for the Druze who lost their land. MK Walhaba (Kadima) charged that the government caused the riots by leaving the negotiating table and not offering the Druze farmers anything. MK Asana (Ra’am-Ta’al) asked why the government allowed the start of the construction before coming to an agreement that would compensate the Druze.

Minister Landau (Y.B.) explained the gas line will save the government a million nis a day and lower the pollution of the area. In the same area there will be additional construction for both an extension of route 6 and a new railway line. He explained that the government tried to come to an agreement but they raised their demands after an agreement was made. The minister expressed there is only so far he could go to accommodate them citing that the law forbids him from giving the land owners the amount of money they are asking for. He explained that negations were held for over a year, and even the prime-minister got involved with this issue. Landau expressed that some of the land owners did sign deals and were compensated and assured the government will live up to those deals. He finished by stressing his belief that even a Druze minister would come to the same decision in his place.

Other Queries

MK Tibi (Ra’am-Ta’al) criticized Interior Minister Yishai (Shas) for refusing to show up for his query. Speaker Rivlin said he had authorized the query, condemned Yishai’s actions, and announced that he will force Yishai to answer it next week. Tibi explained frustration five minutes later that Yishai was drinking coffee outside, refusing to come inside and mocking him.

MK Maklev (U.T.J.) asked Justice Minister Neeman why citizens are not given access to information on land they inherited. MK Asana and MK Levin (Likud) supported Maklev’s words and criticized Neeman for not doing more on the matter. Minister Neeman read a very long answer that explained the government does not need to do anything in these matters, and it is the citizen’s responsibility. He then expressed his plan to change the issue in the future, adding he will try to upload the information to the internet in order to make things easier.

Consumer Protection Bill

MK Maklev explained that his bill would permit delaying the deadlines on credit cards payments to flexible future dates. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Orit Noked (Labor) praised the bill that would forbid the bank from taking money every 2^nd of the month and would adapt the ways accustomed to in America. The bill passed 38-0 in its preliminary reading, thanks to the government’s support of the bill.

Deputies of the Speaker of the House Bill

MK Levin: Today we have 7 deputies, but we wish to extend the number to 9. Speaker Rivlin said 7 was too much and expressed his objections to the bill yet assured he would support the government and vote in favor. The Speaker warned that he planned on attending the house committee meeting to express his feelings of dropping the bill. 30 voted for, 21 voted against, and the bill was passed in its preliminary reading. Speaker Rivlin said he supported the MKs allowed to vote against the bill.

Bill that will force reporting to Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee on the activities of the Departments of Families Rehabilitation and Commemoration of the Ministry of Defense

MK Yisrael Chason (Kadima) explained that his bill would force more defense departments to answer to the Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee.

Deputy Minister of Defense Vilnai (Labor) expressed the government approval of the bill, yet wishes that the bill be sent to the house committee for further discussion. The bill passed the preliminary reading 65-0.

Holocaust Survivors Right Bill

Minister Braverman (Labor) spoke in the name of the finance minister, stating the government has already given 1.5 billion nis towards the issue, but this bill would cost another 2 billion nis that the government can’t afford for the 250,000 people who would fit into the new category under this bill. MK Solodkin (Kadima) said the numbers being talked about are 5,000 people and that very little money is needed. She charged that the finance ministry was providing false figures in order to kill the bill.

The bill was defeated by a safe margin of 28 votes for and 56 votes against, while 36 MKs chose not to be present for the vote.

Veterans Absorption Bill Regarding Participation in Tuition (2 Bills)

MK Pelsner (Kadima) explained his bill would give the first year of university free to every soldier who served a full term, not just combat soldiers. He criticized all the young Likud MKs who campaigned for this bill and now are about to vote against it. MK Eldad (N.U.) expressed his bill goes further than Pelsner’s bill and calls to pay for half of each soldier’s first degree. He added that we have fewer soldiers today because we offer fewer incentives.

Deputy Minister Gamliel answered in the name of the defense ministry, that the government had suggested the same exact bill in September and voted for preparing the bill for a Knesset reading. In December MK Pelsner decided to copy the bill for political purposes. The government plans on defeating this bill and proposing its own bill in a few weeks after it is completed. Gamliel added that the government has plenty of other bills intended to assist the younger generation.

Eldad responded that he submitted his bill in both the 16^th and 17^th Knessets and now in the 18^th Knesset back in March 2009. Eldad asked: “Who wants the credit? Gamliel? Pelsner? I don’t want the credit! I want the help the soldiers. This shouldn’t be an opposition bill or a coalition bill; this should be a Knesset bill.” Eldad asked the government to work together with him on the bill. The government refused and asked their MKs to defeat both bills.

The first bill was defeated 29 to 51 with 40 MKs choosing not be present for the vote. The second bill was defeated 15 for 33 against with 1 abstention.

Motion #1: Thousands of Jews from Europe have signed a petition condemning the West Bank construction policies morally and politically wrong

MK Amsalam (Shas) criticized the Jews who signed the petition as not being loyal to the state of Israel. MK Avraham-Balilah (Kadima) said that neither side wants to see the current talks go anywhere and labeled the European Jews confused with Bibi’s direction. She expressed that other organizations such as J-Street are dangerous. MK Tzarzur (Ra’am-Ta’al) asked if every Jew who speaks out against the government is automatically anti-Zionistic. MK Eldad (N.U.) asked how a petition of 3,000 liberal Jews ended up in the media’s hands. Eldad wasn’t surprised, charging that throughout the years there have always been groups masquerading as Zionists, and there have been similar petitions by these groups from the holocaust all the way until the second Lebanon war. MK Bensimon (Labor) criticized Eldad’s speech citing the freedom of speech and announced his support of the petition. MK Gilon (Meretz) also criticized Eldad, stating that not everyone who disagrees with him is anti-Zionistic. Gilon also announced his support of the petition. MK Wilf (Labor) asked everyone to respect the petition and see what we can learn from it. Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon (Y.B.) gave a speech talking about the glass being half full that led nowhere.

The Knesset voted 8-3 and will discuss the matter further in the Foreign and Defense Affairs Committee.

Motion #2: Tel Aviv Mayor Huldai’s comments on the ultra-Orthodox education system.

Former education ministry director-general and current MK Tirosh (Kadima) explained that in a few years the majority of the Israeli school system will be charedi and Arab. She asked the charedim what solution they offer to the future. MKs Orbach (J.H.), MK Ze’evi (Shas), MK Amsalam (Shas), MK Vaknin (Shas), MK Gafni (U.T.J.) and MK Ben-Ari (N.U.) all spoke out criticizing Huldai and the status of secular education. MK Maklev (U.T.J.) added that it was secular kids who set fire to shuls. MK Horovitz (Meretz) supported Huldai and supported discounting both charedi and public religious schools. MK Mula (Kadima) supported compromise. MK Wilf announced that she was a proud Tel Avivan. Minister of Education Sa’ar (Likud) praised Tel Aviv and said that in his opinion Huldai had grounds for his words.

The Knesset voted 14-1 to transfer the discussion to the Education Committee.

Motion #3: Criminal employed by a manpower company was hired to protect a sick child

MK Levi-Abukasis (Y.B.) said she was upset the law does not prevent such issues. MK Amnon Cohen (Shas) spoke out and supported the motion. Justice Minister Neeman stated the current legal status of the issue and assured that changes in the law are on their way. He praised the two MKs.

The Knesset voted 5-0 to transfer the motion to the Law and Justice Committee.

Motion #4: Financial crisis of the Euro and the influence on the Israeli economy

MK Wahba (Kadima) expressed his fears. MK Peretz (Labor) predicted that there will be a new financial crisis soon. Minister Braverman (Labor) answered in the name of the finance minister, that the Euro was an experiment that crashed because of countries like Greece. Braverman assured that Israel has no reason to worry and that the current crisis will not affect us.

The matter was transferred to the Funds Committee by a margin of 5-0.

Motion #5: More than 90 percent of academic staff in Israel is Ashkenazi Jews and most of them men

MK Gafni corrected the figure to 93%, asking where the equality was. MK Tibi brought the same statistics and added that of the 7% who are not Ashkenazi Jews only 1% are Arabs. MK Bensimon (Labor) and MK Zachalka (Balad) both joined the criticism of the statistic. Minister Sa’ar responded that charedim and Arabs and are allowed to apply for the same jobs and suggested they produce alternatives to Ashkenazi males.

The matter was sent to the education committee by a vote of 8-0.

Motion #6: Comments attributed to Minister of Education that teachers should serve in their position no more than ten years

MK Ben-Ari condemned the words, while Minister Sa’ar claimed he was misquoted. The matter will be discussed further in the education committee following the 5-1 vote.

Motion #7: The PA imposed a boycott of Israeli products and reactions are required on the part of Israel

MK Eldad suggested copying the anti-boycott law from the U.S. in order to fight the situation. MK Ben-Ari suggested the matter be discussed in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Deputy Minister of Labor and Trade Noked (Labor) defended the government’s decision not to act in this case for the sake of the peace process. Deputy Speaker Tibi cut the MKs speeches short, mocked the motion and argued the boycott is only for products from settlements and therefore should not be discussed at all.

The motion was defeated by a 2 to 5 vote.

Motion #8: Classification of national priority areas

MK Tzartzuar blasted the government for not including Arab areas in the plan. Minister of Minorities Braverman (Labor) agreed with Tzartzuar, yet stated he was influencing the government on this matter. The matter was sent to the Interior Committee following a 6-0 vote.

Motion #9: Rise of charedi students in Jerusalem

MK Maklev cited that 40% of the students in Jerusalem are charedi and there should be more schools for them. Minister of Construction and Housing Attias (Shas) agreed and promised to work towards more houses and more schools for the charedi community. They agreed not to bring the matter up for a vote.

Motion #10: Representation of Arabs in Social Security

Zuabi (Balad) asked that the matter that a Jew was named the head of the Social Security office in the Arab city of Nazareth be discussed in the committee of Labor and Social Affairs. Minister Nahari (Shas) answered in the name of the Welfare Minister that they had interviewed Arabs, but the Jew gave the best interview and that is why he got the job.

The 6 MKs in the room approved the motion and sent it to the committee.

Motion #11: Promotion of planning and construction in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria

MK Ariel (N.U.) condemned Shas for allowing the current situation to happen. Ariel condemned Bibi for the freeze of public buildings, shuls and mikvaot in Jerusalem as well at the settlements, against his own words. Minister of Planning and Construction Attias (Shas) expressed that Defense Minister Barak is holding this up, not his ministry. Attais confessed there has not been any marketing of Jerusalem neighborhoods since December 2009, and has slowed down dramatically starting in 2006.

The 3 MKs in the room (Ariel, Attias and Deputy Speaker Maklev) approved the motion and sent it to the Interior Committee for further discussion.

Shailtot for Justice Minister Neeman

MK Ben-Ari questioned about disciplining a judge and MK Maklev questioned about a government worker who refused to say “lashon harah” on his co-workers. Minister Neeman said it is not the ministry’s job to address either situation.

Other Notes:

Earlier in the day Speaker Rivlin greeted Cyprus’s President and Speaker of the House Mr. Marios Garoyian with a warm speech.

The short session of 2 hours and 40 minutes could be summarized like this: 26 one minute speeches, along with a vote on one summary and one bill. Most of the one minute speeches seemed to be extensions of yesterday’s topics. MKs Ariel and Eldad’s (N.U.) allegations against Defense Minister Ehud Barak (Labor) was the only topic that could be considered news. You really can’t expect more from an agenda of 3 topics; by comparison, tomorrow 37 topics will be discussed.

One Minute Speeches

The most popular issues discussed by the 26 speakers were the Holyland affair, the destruction of illegal homes in Tibeh and the Druze riots. MK Bielski (Kadima) was the first to criticize the political corruption of the Holyland affair. MK Ezra (Kadima) joined the Holyland bashing as well. MK Finyain (Likud) bashed Holyland, then surprised everyone by speaking very sharply against the government’s Wisconsin plan as well. MK Yachomovitz (Labor) spoke in support of MK Finyain’s rant against the government in regards to both Wisconsin and Holyland. MK Chanin (Chadash) criticized the destruction of illegal homes in Tibeh. Chanin also announced his support of the protests by the Druze community over the new gas line that has begun to be constructed in their area. MK Zoabi (Balad) and MK Tibi (Ra’am-Ta’al) condemned the destruction of all illegal Arab homes in Israel. MK Walhaba (Kadima) demanded that the government fix the situation with the Druze and the gas pipe. MK Levin (Likud) questioned why Israel destroys every illegal Jewish home while, despite this week’s evictions, thousands of illegal Arab homes remain.

Many domestic issues were addressed. MK Ariel was surprised that Defense Minister Barak allegedly engaged in political blackmail by securing votes for his laws in return for assistance on the Givat Hayoel neighborhood issue. He labeled Barak’s attempts “Political Prostitution” and questioned the democratic integrity of such a move. MK Eldad said he had encountered the same issue today in a separate committee. He blasted Barak for his alleged blackmail and also attacked former prime-minister Olmert for his role in the Holyland affair, calling the corruption “Prime-Minister Size”. MK Mula (Kadima) talked about racial issues against the Ethiopians in the education systems of Emenual, Bet Shemesh and Be’er Sheva. MK Bensimon (Labor) admitted that Israel screwed up the absorption of Ethiopians, citing the Kiryat Melachi affair during which the city refused to absorb any Ethiopians into the city and they remained outside the city limits for a shabbat. Bensimon asked us to do better with today’s education issue. MK Magadleh (Labor) discussed violence in schools. MK Cabel (Labor) mentioned a few issues with the Milium bill. MK Ganem (Ra’am-Ta’al) talked about the status of the education in the Arab sector, while MK Orbach (J.H.) chose to talk about the status of the religious public schools. MK Wilf (Labor) read another letter supporting her fight for stronger protection of teachers at the expense of students. MK Amsalam (Shas) condemned both Gazit and Huldai for their incitement against charedim. MK Ben Ari (N.U.) taught us from Parshat Hashevuah Behar that we should apply the balance of capitalism (free trade) and socialism (yovel).

Only six MKs chose to discuss foreign affairs. MK Regev (Likud) warned of the danger Hizbolah poses now that they are receiving weapons via Iran. MK Ketzeleh (N.U.) suggested a commission by הצג סקריפט אנגלי the State Comptroller about the situation in Lebanon. MK Peretz (Labor) talked about the need to strengthen the relationships with the leaders of France and Italy. MK Shai (Kadima) suggested upgrading the talks with the Palestinians to direct talk status. MK Tirosh (Kadima) stated that Gilad Shalit is waiting for his release and we need to find a way to release him. MK Smelov-Berkovitz (Kadima) proposed that Israel should host more international festivals in order to improve our international standing, citing one that was held recently that did just that.

Vote on the summaries from the State Comptroller Report

MK Yoel Chason (Kadima), Chairman of the State Control Committee, was very pleased that in 98% of the cases the criticized parties agreed to take responsibility and change things for the better. Chason also criticized the government for torpedoing most of the committee’s reforms. 6 Kadima MKs (Walhaba, Schneller, Mula, Shai, Ezra and Tirosh) spoke in favor of Chason and his summaries. MK Chanin (Chadash) praised Chason and the report specifically in regards to public transportation and the train to Jerusalem. MK Eldad (N.U.) supported the State Comptroller; trash talked Kadima, and reminded everyone how Olmert trashed the State Comptroller throughout his administration. MK Ze’ev (Shas) confessed that in most cases the government wants to implement the decisions but lacks the budget to do so. The summary was passed by the MKs in the room 8-0.

Vote on the State Economic Arrangements Bill

The bill submitted by MK Hanegbi (Kadima) would reduce municipal taxes on residential property used by mentally challenged people. MK Ze’ev (Shas) said this was a good first step, but we should go further and give more rights to mentally challenged people. The bill easily passed 11-0 in its first reading.