Do you want to learn more about each of the Big 3?
Two-part KnessetJeremy FM interview on Big 3 (Electoral Reform, Shaked, National Referendum) Bills.
Part 1 (from 4:30 on): https://soundcloud.com/yishaifleisher/march2014-q2-final-1
Part 2 (from 4:25 on) https://soundcloud.com/yishaifleisher/march2014-q3-final
Interview aired on Galey Yisrael on Tuesday March 11 2014.
The interview was conducted the day before.
Following the opposition boycott of the planned 23-hour session, Speaker Edelstein re-opened up the session as planned at 10 AM. Chairman Rotem (L.B.) blasted the opposition’s boycott. Minister Liberman (L.B.) pointed out that it is ridiculous that Labor and Meretz leaders proposed many of the measures in the bill including the raising of the threshold and today are boycotting the vote. He discussed the 29 committee meetings on the bill and the 253 experts that participated in the meetings. Speaker Edelstein announced that all coalition MKs removed their objections. All of the opposition objections were removed because the objecting MKs were not in the building.
You can read more about the content bill here: https://knessetjeremy.com/2014/03/09/electoral-reform-bill/
Government Bill passed its second reading 67-0 and third reading 67-0.
Knesset Bill passed its second reading 67-0 and third reading 6-0.
MK Hoffman (Yesh Atid) got up after the voting to thank everyone who worked on the bill.
Minister Lapid (Yesh Atid) also spoke from the podium and thanked the people who worked on the bill.
Speaker Edelstein closed the session and said they would re-convene for the presentation of the Haredi Draft Bill at 1 PM.
The only coalition MK who did not vote is Presidential candidate MK Rivlin (Likud Beitenu) who purposely decided to fly to London in order to miss vote. The 52 opposition MKs went through with their boycott.
The official Knesset protocol will show that not one MK gave a speech against the bill and not one MK voted against the bill.
Electoral Reform (for good and for bad) is complete.
The first of the the three bills up this week for a vote is the Electoral Reform Bill.
The proposed law includes changes to Basic Laws which require 61 MKs to approve.
This bill is a merger of two bills that will change the executive and legislative branches of government, the third branch (Judicial) will not be touched.
Here are some of the main changes that you will find in the Electoral Reform Bill.
* There are many “objections” from both the coalition and opposition that if passed would change the bill.
Update
* I was going to present all speeches on the bill. Due to the opposition MKs decision not to discuss the proposed law from the Knesset podium and the coalition MKs speeches that did not actually discuss the bill – I decided against it.
The Knesset’s Monday session lasted about five hours. Eight bills were discussed. Three bills became law after passing their third readings, and five bills were advanced after passing their first readings. The highlight bills were those advanced on increased Israeli sanctions on Iran and raising the age of marriage to 18.
Non-Bills Summary
Bills Summary
Amendment to the Israel Defense Forces Service Bill
Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Haim Katz (Likud) explained for close to an hour the complicated amendment that will revamp the entire IDF pension system. He expressed regret that he was not able to get as much as he wanted into the final draft but stressed this is a big improvement for career soldiers.
The bill passed its second reading 32-0.
The bill passed its third reading 33-0.
Struggle against Iran’s Nuclear Program Bill
Deputy Prime Minister Ya’alon (Likud) explained the government’s original bill would place crimpling sanctions on all companies and individuals that do business with Iran. He stressed the importance of Israel having the type of sanctions within their own home that they request other world powers to have.
MK Barakeh (Hadash) called Israel hypocrites for passing this law since Israel is the one with nuclear weapons and is the country that is a danger to peace in the Middle East. He expressed his support for Iran and their nuclear program. He said the Iran agenda is meant to distract the public from the Palestinian process. He called the bill hypocritical, cynical and useless.
MK Khenin (Hadash) slammed the government for the bill and its policy, which he called extreme, adventurous, irresponsible and dangerous. He said that his vote against this bill is a vote against Israeli policy on Iran, which he called suicidal. He called for peace negotiations with Iran that will put an end to both countries’ nuclear programs.
MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) slammed Khenin and Barakeh. He asked them who they are trying to protect. He said there is no connection at all between the need for peace with the Palestinians and the need to protect ourselves from Iran. He noted the terror organizations that are funded by Iran. He said Iran with a nuke will not bring about peace and is a threat to Israel. He expressed his support for the bill.
MK Molla (Kadima) said that Israel should not lead the fight against Iran and should let the United States and the international community lead. He said that sanctions are important everywhere, so he will be happy to support the bill. He noted Israel has no problem with Iranian people, just their leadership.
MK Miller (Y.B.) said he isn’t surprised to see the Arabs MKs come out against this bill because it puts an end to the funding of their friends in Hamas and Hezbollah. He slammed them for supporting terrorists and for being silent on Syria.
Deputy Prime Minister Ya’alon got up to say the MKs do not understand the importance of passing this bill and that it is essential to pass it.
The bill passed its first reading 21-3 and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee will discuss the bill further.
Amendment to the Standard Contracts Bill
Deputy Prime Minister Ya’alon explained the amendment would change all standard contracts so that both sides are protected in various instances that are not included in the current standard contract laws.
The bill passed its first reading 15-0 and was sent to the Justice Committee.
Amendment to the Fallen Soldiers’ Families Bill
Deputy Prime Minister Ya’alon explained the amendment increases the benefit package for families of fallen soldiers in terms of pensions and their rehabilitation, as well as other areas.
MK Haim Katz said that there are many issues with this bill and he looks forward to making a lot of changes in committee.
MK Matalon (Y.B.) also complained about the many issues he had with the bill and asked that the committee completely revamp it.
The bill passed its first reading 12-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.
Amendment to the Municipal Taxes and Government Taxes Ordinance Bill
Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz explained the amendment would grant municipal tax exemptions to institutions that help disabled people.
The bill passed its second reading 11-0.
The bill passed its third readings 11-0.
MK Khenin thanked the Knesset for approving his bill.
Amendment to the Equal Rights for People with Disabilities Bill
MK Gilon (Meretz) explained the amendment will force the government to implement all of the previous decisions that are written in the law and have been delayed for years. He noted there are some additional changes as well.
The bill passed its second reading 11-0.
The bill passed its third reading 8-0.
Preventing Violence against Social Workers Bill
Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz explained the original bill would create a new criminal offense of attacking a social worker. He said the decision on the punishment will be decided in committee.
MK Agbaria (Hadash) expressed his support for the bill. He spoke out against violence against all government service workers and said the attackers must be brought to justice.
MK Molla supported what he called an excellent bill. He echoed the speeches by Katz and Agbaria, saying that violence against social workers is a crime and offenders must be punished.
MK Zeev (Shas) said that social workers should not get special treatment. He stated that this bill should include all government workers and should not single out social workers. He was heckled by some MKs and shouted back to them that everyone should be protected from violence, not just social workers.
The bill passed its first reading 10-0 and was sent to the Labor Committee.
Amendment to the Age of Marriage Bill
House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) explained the amendment would raise the age of marriage to 18. He stressed the importance of this bill and how this will save so many minors from being forced into marriage. He noted that today over 70% of those who marry under 18 are not Jewish. He noted that in some countries the age of marriage is higher, such as 20 in Iraq, and that there are very few countries that allow marriage under 18.
MK Khenin was interrupted by MK Gal-On who complained that every time Deputy Speaker Barakeh is on the Speaker’s chair the room becomes very cold. MK Barakeh was not happy with Gal-On’s words until she clarified she was talking about the strong air conditioning in the room. Khenin went on to praise the bill and express his support for the exceptions in the bill.
Deputy Minister Gamliel (Likud) expressed government support for the bill and called it a win for feminism. She said that the annual number of over 4,000 minors getting married every year is troubling, especially since the number is growing.
MK Barakeh noted that he has been trying to pass this bill for years and is happy the government finally came around to supporting it.
MK Gal-On (Meretz) expressed her support and said that we must close all loopholes so that minors don’t marry before 18.
MK Zahalka (Balad) noted that his mother got married and had him at age 16. Zeev pointed out that this bill would have prevented Zahalka from being born. Zahalka responded that he has mixed feelings on the subject, yet feels strongly about supporting this bill.
MK Zeev said the ultra-orthodox get married at 16-17 and this bill is part of the agenda to limit the demographic concern of the Israeli public about the increase in ultra-orthodox Jewish and Arab births. He slammed the government agenda and called the Arabs suckers for falling for it. He noted that in the United States you can get married at 16 if both parents agree and slammed Israel for trying to have a more severe law. He noted that in Japan the age of marriage for men is 20 and the age for women is 16. He listed that Scotland is 16, Turkey is 17, and the Vatican follows the United States’ parental acceptance clause.
The bill passed its first reading 8-1-1 and was sent to the Justice Committee.
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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s June 18, 2012, session.
Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/02963912.doc
The Knesset’s Monday session lasted about three hours. Two bills were discussed. A bill on loosening the regulations on strengthening buildings against earthquakes became law after passing its third reading, and the emergency regulations in Judea and Samaria were advanced after passing their first readings. The government easily defeated two no-confidence motions.
Non-Bills Summary
Bills Summary
Amendment to Extend the Validity of the Emergency Regulations in Judea and Samaria Bill
Religious Services Minister Margi (Shas) explained the amendment would extend the current system of jurisdiction, offenses and legal assistance in place in Judea and Samaria for another five years until June 30, 2017.
MK Khenin (Hadash) said that the emergency regulations that have been in place since 1967 and extended every five years are obviously not temporary. He said the current set of laws are different for Jews and Arabs that live in the Wild West called Judea and Samaria. He said the conquering of Judea and Samaria 45 years ago was a mistake and voting against this bill will correct that mistake by ending Israeli rule over these areas. He called on creating a Palestinian state immediately along the 1967 borders.
MK Ariel (N.U.) asked the government how they can discriminate against Jews who live in Judea and Samaria while the Jews who live everywhere else receive full rights and benefits under law. He said that citizens that are taxed deserve equal rights. He stressed there is no such thing as taxation without full representation. He called on annexing Judea and Samaria today.
MK Zahalka (Balad) said the bill is not democratic because it determines the law over a group of people who did not vote for this parliament. He said this is the most anti-democratic bill this Knesset has passed. He noted that this bill includes Gaza which means that Israel has never ended their occupation of Gaza. He said this bill proves that Israel is trying to pretend that Gaza’s occupation is over when it makes sense to them, when the truth is that the occupation continues.
MK Katzeleh (N.U.) said that over 350,000 Jews live in Judea and Samaria, 300,000 Jews live in eastern Jerusalem and 25,000 Jews live in the Golan. He said that it is only a matter of time before this bill stops being extended. He said that internal polls show 15-20 seats for a united faction of National Union with Jewish Home.
MK Ben Ari (N.U.) read off letters his office received from citizens who are struggling with the African takeover of Southern Tel Aviv. He said that we are in a state of emergency with the African takeover of Israel and we need to have special provisions on the emergency regulations to include solving this African issue. He said that Israel is becoming a dangerous place and we must fight for our survival.
MK Zeev (Shas) said that the British Mandate is over and these emergency provisions are unnecessary, especially when it comes to Judea and Samaria. He said that a lot of the provisions make sense but they don’t need to be set on an emergency basis that needs to be extended every five years. He called on Netanyahu to fulfill his promise for the 800 houses in Judea and Samaria so that the Ulpana evacuation will have some meaning. He added that the government should evacuate the Arabs’ illegal buildings in eastern Jerusalem and not evacuate the Ulpana. He said in the name of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef that there is no Jewish law that allows kicking Jews out of their homes even if a Palestinian really does own that land. He told the Knesset that his Rabbi asked him to deliver that message personally to Netanyahu and to the Knesset plenum.
MK Schneller (Kadima) said for this bill to be irrelevant we need to do one of three things: one is to annex everything, two is to give up on everything and the third is to make a deal with the Palestinians that falls somewhere in the middle. He said that in order to strike a deal the center-right will be needed to ensure that a majority of the country supports the agreement. He slammed the three leftist plans of compensation evacuation, the Talya Sasson outpost report, and the decision to go to the Supreme Court every time they want to evacuate a house. He said they have caused the exact opposite of their intention- the Jews in Judea and Samaria are now more ideological, have grabbed more hilltops and will see 10 houses built for every one destroyed by a Supreme Court order. He charged that it is the left that is holding up a deal and whoever really wants a deal needs to understand that they need a majority of Israelis to support it.
The extension of the bill passed its first reading 40-9 and was sent to the Justice Committee.
Amendment to the Lands Bill
Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Cohen (Shas) explained the amendment would loosen the regulations on strengthening apartments and condominiums against earthquakes. He expressed hope that this will lead to more apartments receiving the necessary strengthening requirements that will save their homes from an earthquake and save lives.
MK Ariel asked why the bill is not going to apply to Judea and Samaria and demanded Cohen withdraw the bill back to committee. He said it is not fair that he is being discriminated against and might die of an earthquake because he lives in Judea and Samaria.
The bill passed its second reading 29-0.
The bill passed its third reading 17-0.
MK Azoulay (Shas) thanked the Knesset for approving his bill and Orlev, whose bill was merged into his.
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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s June 11, 2012, session.
Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/02815012.doc
The Knesset’s Monday session started at 4 PM and ended at 2:51 AM. When the Knesset convened it was going to call for early elections to take place September 4, 2012. By the end of the night it was clear that a new Likud-Kadima coalition agreement would call off the move for early elections, pushing elections back to their original date of October 22, 2013. Fifteen bills were discussed. Fourteen bills became law after passing their third readings, and one bill was advanced after passing its first reading. Some interesting laws passed in the middle of the night when new elections were knocking at the door.
Non-Bills Summary
Bills Summary
Medical Equipment Bill
MK Eldad (N.U.) explained that this original bill has been in works for 16 years. He explained the bill regulates and places government supervision on all medical equipment used in all government medical institutions. He noted that institution personnel who do not comply will be subject to 6 months to 3 years of jail time
The bill passed its second reading 17-0.
The bill passed its third reading 22-0.
Amendment to the Terms of Probation Bill
Law, Justice and Constitution Committee Chairman Rotem (Y.B.) explained the amendment would update the appeals committee makeup for life sentence security prisoners to match the committee for non-security prisoners.
The bill passed its second reading 16-0.
The bill passed its third reading 19-0.
Amendment to the Money Laundering Prohibition Bill
Law, Justice and Constitution Committee Chairman Rotem explained the amendment would update Israel’s money laundering regulations to meet recently signed international agreements on the subject.
The bill passed its second reading 12-0.
The bill passed its third reading 15-0.
Amendment to the Lending Textbooks Bill
Education, Culture and Sport Committee Chairman Miller (Y.B.) explained the amendment would require principals to conduct a vote of school children’s parents on joining the lending textbooks program. He said that if 60% of parents want to join the program, the principal will be forced to join it.
The bill passed its second reading 17-0.
The bill passed its third reading 20-0.
Education Minister Sa’ar (Likud) thanked Miller for passing the bill during the last week of Knesset as fast as possible.
Amendment to the Antitrust Bill
Finance Committee Chairman Shama (Likud) explained the amendment would increase the authority of the government’s antitrust bodies in order to increase the enforcement of existing laws.
The bill passed its second reading 15-0.
The bill passed its third reading 15-0.
Amendment to the Prison Ordinance Bill
Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Cohen (Shas) explained the amendment regulates the rights of prisoners. He said this bill costs a lot of money and significantly raises prisoners’ quality of life both during their stay in jail and their rehabilitation afterwards. He said that this is an historic day that will be remembered as a holiday for prisoners today and for the years to come.
The bill passed its second reading 16-0.
The bill passed its third reading 14-0.
MK Khenin (Hadash) thanked Cohen for helping him reform the way the government views prisoners. He also thanked a long list of government workers who helped him advance and pass this bill. He said this bill will be remembered as the most democratic, revolutionary and progressive bill that the 18th Knesset has passed. He expressed his support for the security prisoners that are hunger striking.
Amendment to the Checks without Cover Bill
Law, Justice and Constitution Committee Chairman Rotem explained the amendment would require the bank to provide someone joining an existing bank account all of the information about the account. He said this way people won’t fall victim to business scams or be tricked by loved ones.
The bill passed its second reading 10-0.
The bill passed its third reading 9-0.
MK Shemtov (Y.B.) thanked Rotem for passing the bill before early elections. She thanked other Yisrael Beitenu MKs for helping her advance the bill.
Amendment to the Social Security Bill
MK Eldad explained the amendment would cut social security payments in half to terrorists who were sentenced to ten years or more and will also harm their families’ rights to inheritance of that money.
MK Rotem said that although the 50% reduction is positive, Israel remains a sucker because they will still be giving the terrorists the other 50%.
The bill passed its second reading 13-0.
The bill passed its third reading 10-0.
Amendment to the Nazi Persecution and Nazi War Invalids Bill
Appropriations Committee Chairman Gafni (U.T.J.) said this bill was submitted in 1999 and has been delayed each year. He explained the bill would increase the Holocaust era handicap pensions. He said 23,219 people would receive the increase, and the cost will stand at 100 million shekels annually. He noted that the gradual payment increases are based on criteria that will give some people more and some less.
MK Solodkin (Kadima) said that she has proposed many bills in the last three years on this subject and was told each time that there was no money. She thanked the government for wising up at the last minute and giving 100 million shekels to a just cause.
MK Shemtov thanked Gafni for making sure that there will be Russian war veterans enjoying some of the 100 million shekels as well.
The bill passed its second reading 31-0.
The bill passed its third reading 28-0.
Amendment to the Mandatory Tenders Bill
Law, Justice and Constitution Committee Chairman Rotem explained the amendment would ensure that government tenders do not discriminate against employees over the age of 40.
Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) asked the Knesset approve his ministry’s objection.
The bill’s paragraphs passed their second readings 22-0, 12-4, 24-0 and 19-0.
The Finance Minister’s objection was approved 18-5.
The bill passed its third reading 18-0.
MK Bielski (Kadima) thanked the Knesset for approving the bill that will help older people overcome discrimination and get jobs.
Amendment to the Mines Ordinance Bill
Finance Committee Chairman Shama announced that he can confirm the hallway chatter and rumors. He said that a national unity government with Kadima is imminent and a Likud faction meeting in 20 minutes should confirm the rumors. He explained that the bill will increase the punishment of those who mine materials illegally to five years in jail and a fine of close to one million shekels.
The bill’s paragraphs passed their second readings 11-0, 10-1 and 12-0.
The bill passed its third reading 10-0.
MK Ariel (N.U.) thanked Shama for passing the bill swiftly and the Knesset for approving his bill.
Amendment to the Aviation Services Bill
Speaker Rivlin announced that the Knesset will continue to discuss the bills on the agenda, despite the rumors of a new national unity government. Rivlin said that if the Knesset’s parties ask him to close the session without passing all 45 bills on the agenda, he will allow it.
Finance Committee Chairman Shama explained the amendment would grant compensation and assistance for flight cancellation or modification of the terms. He said that if a ticket is cancelled or delayed by an airline the airline should compensate the customer. He said that this bill would meet the European standards for flight cancellation compensation. He said this consumer protection bill is very important. He thanked and praised MK Tibi.
The bill’s paragraphs passed their second readings 16-0, 18-0, 19-0 and 19-0.
MK Tibi’s objection was accepted 15-0.
Justice Minister Neeman’s objection was defeated 1-18.
The bill passed its third reading 19-0.
Chairman Shama said this was the most complicated bill that his committee has discussed and it took hundreds of hours to prepare.
Speaker Rivlin told Coalition Chairman Elkin (Likud) and the opposition MKs that he cannot close the Knesset session unless he receives a request to do so. He stressed that he had not yet been informed if early elections had been cancelled and there still had not been any public statement.
MK Tibi (R.T.) said that he is very emotional and pleased to have this bill become law. He said that although he has ideological differences with Shama he views him as a man of professional integrity. He noted the three and a half years of discussions, including a twelve hour discussion chaired by Shama. He slammed the previous Finance Chairman Akunis for holding up the bill for political reasons. He expressed his pride in the bill.
Speaker Rivlin praised Tibi for the bill.
Appropriations Committee Chairman Gafni asked Speaker Rivlin if the rest of the Knesset’s agenda could be pushed off to the next day because of the late hour. He noted that the apparent unprecedented political trick could be discussed the next day as well, but the rush to finish the long agenda before the Knesset dissolves itself is pointless.
Speaker Rivlin said the drama that is unfolding is not official and there is still a chance it will fall apart before anything is announced or signed. He noted that the bill calling for early elections had been approved in the committee without any objections for its second and third readings. He said that the agenda’s important bills should be pushed through just in case early elections are called at the last minute.
Amendment to the Israel Defense Forces Pensions Bill
Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) explained the amendment would increase the pensions for the military. He said that there will be retroactive aspects of the bill as far back as 2008, and families of deceased veterans will receive the retroactive benefits.
MK Eichler (U.T.J.) praised the bill. He called for increasing military benefits and turning the military into a volunteer army, freeing the military from taking every citizen. He slammed journalist Yoram London for his statement that Israel should reduce the ultra-orthodox Jewish population in Israel. He asked what would have happened in Europe if someone said that against the Muslim population. He slammed Kadima for joining the government in order to continue incitement against the ultra-orthodox.
MK Regev (Likud) supported the bill and called it justice for the 40,000 soldier families. She said that Eichler’s speech has nothing to do with this bill. She stressed the importance of ultra-orthodox and non-Jews serving the country.
The bill passed its first reading 18-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.
Speaker Rivlin announced that the government and the coalition have agreed to pull most of the bills left on the day’s agenda. He said the MKs who chose not to pull their bills will be given the chance to present it to the plenum for a vote. He said that the Knesset’s early election bill was sent back for a revision, and since there is no date dictated on when to discuss the bill, he will end the session after the bills left on the agenda are finished being presented.
Amendment to the Banking Bill
MK Eichler announced the amendment is a customer service bill that forces the bank to send a bank fee transaction list to each customer every six months. He added that the bill will prohibit writing bank fees in smaller font than the rest of the piece of paper.
The bill passed its second reading 17-0.
The bill passed its third reading 16-0.
Amendment to the Israel Lands Authority Bill
MK Eichler explained the amendment will increase the transparency of the authority by requiring them to upload decisions to their official internet page.
The bill passed its second reading 15-0.
The bill passed its third reading 15-0.
MK Khenin thanked the Knesset for approving another one of his self-described revolutionary bills. He noted that 99% of the authority’s decisions have not been publicized anywhere.
Speaker Rivlin announced that the rest of the bills had been withdrawn. He said that the Knesset will reconvene in 13 hours at 4 PM.
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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s May 7, 2012, session.
Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/02187112.doc
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
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.
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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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