Tag Archive: knesset


Knesset Summer Session 2012 Day 14: Term Limits and Medical Exams

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — Leave a comment
June 14, 2012

The Knesset’s Wednesday session lasted about five hours. Six bills were discussed. Two bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings, two bills avoided defeat by being turned into motions, and two bills were defeated. The bills advanced place term limits on the President of the Sharia Court of Appeal and merge the five Israeli medical exams into one standardized test that will allow Israeli medical students to graduate six months earlier. The last round of changes to the Knesset protocols was approved, completing a three year plan of protocol changes.

 

Non-Bills Summary

  • Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.), Deputy Education Minister Moses (U.T.J.) and Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon (Y.B.) answered urgent queries at the beginning of the Knesset session.
  • Speaker Rivlin gave a warm speech greeting the President of the Czech Republic’s parliament.
  • Two of the six motions discussed were sent to committee for further discussion by the votes 8-0 and 4-0. One motion was defeated 4-55, and three motions were not voted on.
  • House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) announced this is a special day because it involves the last round of updates to the official Knesset rules and protocols book. He explained the biggest change of the last round would be prohibiting committee votes while the plenum is in session. He said he is proud to present the changes to a vote after dozens of committee meetings over the last three years. It was approved 27-0 with one MK abstaining.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Qadis Bill

MK Majadele (Labor) explained the amendment shortens the term of office for the President of the Sharia Court of Appeal to seven years. He said the current President has been in office 18 years. He asked how every single position in Israeli democracy needs to be elected or has a term limit except for this one.

Justice Minister Neeman expressed his personal and government support for the bill. He said that there are cases where retroactive legislation is needed to correct a wrong and this is one of them.

MK Tibi (R.T.) said he supports limiting terms of high-level government officials but he stressed his opposition to retroactive and personal bills. He said that this is a way for the government to kick out a great man of integrity who was going to resign in a year anyway. He said that this is a personal political vendetta by the government against an esteemed and popular Muslim judge. He called on Justice Minister Neeman to use common sense, call the judge, have a conversation and abolish the retroactive clause of the bill.

MK Majadele rejected Tibi’s claims, noting that the original bill was also a personal bill meant to allow the judge to sit in the President’s chair for 18 years. He said that there is no place in a democracy for a dictatorship.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 35-10 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Amendment to the Students’ Rights Bill

MK Eldad (N.U.) explained the amendment would merge into one test the five final exams medical students take after they finish medical school in order to get their medical license. He noted 23 countries have abandoned the six month multi-test system and moved to a standard test.

Education Minister Sa’ar (Likud) expressed government support for the bill. He said that this bill will allow medical students to graduate six months earlier, which will help Israel’s doctor shortage.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 24-1 and was sent to the Education Committee.

Motion/Amendment to the Planning and Building Bill

MK El-Sana (R.T.) explained the amendment would fund programs to legalize the illegal Bedouin communities in the Negev. He said that these citizens are looked upon as second class. He noted that some of these illegal settlements have between 1,000 to 2,000 residents each. He charged that the government’s committee on solving the problem is not showing results. He asked why dealing with a few hundred Jews in Migron and Ulpana is more important than thousands of Arabs. He said there is plenty of room for compromise since 8% of Israel’s population lives in the Negev, which makes up 60% of the country’s land mass.

Minister Begin (Likud) expressed government opposition to the bill. He agreed with El-Sana that there is a big problem but disagreed that this is the solution. He noted that over time the government has helped resettle and legalize the Negev Bedouins and less than a third of the Bedouins are still up in the air. He asked for El-Sana’s cooperation in helping him help the people that are left. He stated that those who do not wish to compromise will never find a real solution. He said the government does not even know how many people live in these Bedouin towns, estimating it is between 70,000 and 90,000 people. He said he has met personally with 500 Bedouins to hear their side and asked El-Sana to continue that dialogue by turning the bill into a motion.

MK El-Sana asked Begin what solution he offers the Bedouins in the meantime before a final solution is agreed upon. He agreed to turn the bill into a motion and discuss the matter in committee.

The motion passed 39-2-1 and was sent to the Interior Committee.

Motion/Amendment to the Planning and Building Bill

MK Swaid (Hadash) explained his amendment would grant tax exemption eligibility on real estate and government assistance for young couples seeking housing. He said that this will bring down the prices of housing for young couples and make housing attainable. He stated the government should adopt more of a socialist housing model that will ensure housing for everyone.

Interior Minister Yishai (Shas) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds of financial constraints. He agreed the principle of the bill is very positive and asked Swaid to agree to turn the bill into a motion in order to discuss the issue in committee. Swaid agreed.

The motion passed 24-0 and was sent to the Interior Committee.

Amendment to the Social Security Bill

MK Gilon (Meretz) explained his amendment would grant certain benefits to disabled citizens who are reaching the age of retirement. He said that disabled people who are old suffer from two problems and they should receive double compensation from the government. He said his amendment would allow double welfare for disabled senior citizens from the age of 65. He said that as a socialist he supports high taxes and stressed that is the only way to maintain a welfare state. He stated that if a citizen is handicapped he should have all of his needs provided by the government and an NIS 10,000 monthly salary.

Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon (Likud) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds of financial constraints. He said that handicapped people who cannot work receive NIS 4,000 a month until they reach the age of retirement at 67 and then they are entitled to an NIS 4,200 senior citizen monthly welfare payment. He said the government cannot afford to give senior citizens a two-year double welfare payment since it would cost hundreds of millions of shekels.

MK Gilon said the argument is who is paying what and who is receiving what. He said the government’s priorities are messed up and should be corrected. He told the government to stop trying to help the rich and to start helping the poor, adding that is true equality.

The bill was defeated 20-40.

Reward Soldiers in Regular Service Bill

Minister Begin responded to Peretz’s bill that would give soldiers minimum wage salaries in the last third of their military service. He said that the government opposes the bill because of financial constraints. He agreed that soldiers deserve that money but said the government cannot afford the billions of shekels needed to fund the program. He did stress that the government is working on their own bill that will increase the financial compensation to soldiers but will not go as far as this bill.

MK Peretz (Labor) asked Kadima, whose MKs are co-sponsors, in the name of deceased co-sponsor Kadima MK Gideon Ezra, to support the bill they gave their signature to. He slammed the government for lying to him and delaying the bill for two weeks when they knew they weren’t going to support the bill. He refused to wait for the government bill because he said that the government can’t be trusted and they will never present the bill. He warned Kadima that if they vote against the bill they will be punished since this will be an election year.

The bill was defeated 15-30.

________________________________________________________________

This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s May 30, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/02618812.doc

Tags: , , ,
Comment

Knesset Summer Session 2012 Day 12: Outpost Bill Vote Delayed

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — 4 Comments

The Knesset’s Wednesday session lasted about eight and a half hours. Ten bills were discussed. Five bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings. Three bills were withdrawn to avoid defeat, one bill was turned into a motion, and one was defeated. The Outpost Bill was the last bill on the agenda and the debate was among this term’s hottest. MK Katzeleh went red in the face, his body shook, and he almost fell to the floor as he screamed at the government ministers who had flipflopped in their decision on how to vote at the last minute. Prime Minister Netanyahu got involved in the heated debate, and eventually the vote was delayed for two weeks.

 

Non-Bills Summary

  • Justice Minister Neeman, Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) and Education Minister Sa’ar (Likud) answered urgent queries at the beginning of the session.
  • Six of the nine motions discussed were sent to committee by the votes 5-0, 4-0, 5-0, 11-0, 8-0 and 4-0. Two motions were defeated 6-7 and 2-2. One motion was not voted on.
  • House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) announced which committees would discuss which bills. The committee’s decision was approved 9-0.

 

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Railways Ordinance Bill

MK Maklev (U.T.J.) explained his amendment will reduce the fines for riding without a local train ticket. He said that thousands of people have complained to his office about getting tickets unjustifiably. He explained that even people with free monthly passes were given fines. He blasted the light rail company Citipass for fining people when they knew they were wrong. He slammed Citipass for fining people who paid but had their spouse’s bus card. He noted problems with signage, machines and transfers from Egged. He spent ten minutes giving examples of people being arrested because they didn’t have identification on them, turning them into criminals. He said an NIS 180 fine is unacceptable. He thanked Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) for supporting the bill but slammed the finance ministry for opposing his bill that would lower fines. He slammed Citipass for giving fines to mothers with strollers. He criticized the government for opposing his bill and decided to postpone the vote on his bill to a later date.

Amendment to the Knesset Bill

MK Naffaa (Balad) explained his amendment would regulate party funding distribution in the case of a faction of three MKs where one MK wants to withdraw and the other two MKs deny the third MK the right to split. He slammed Balad for taking him out of their party and not giving him his MK rights. He stressed this bill will fix his personal problem. He said it is ethically wrong to use an MK for his money but refuse to give him parliamentary tools. He decided to postpone the vote on his bill to a later date.

Motion/Amendment to the Interference with Elections Prohibition Bill

MK Solodkin (Kadima) explained her amendment would punish those who prohibit ultra-orthodox women from voting in elections. She brought up a case in the ultra-orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim in Jerusalem where women were not allowed to vote in the local neighborhood elections. She said that the punishment for this offence would be between two and three years. She expressed disappointment that the government opposed the bill and agreed to turn the bill into a motion.

Religious Services Minister Margi (Shas) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that the punishment is too severe. He agreed to discuss the bill in committee as a motion.

The motion passed 15-0 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Two Amendments to the Independence Day Bill

MK Shemtov (Y.B.) explained the amendment would change the date of Independence Day to the Thursday closest to the 4th of Iyar instead of on the 4th of Iyar itself.

MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) explained his similar bill would accomplish the same thing. He noted that he has tried to get this bill passed since his election to Knesset in 2006. He said the long weekend will be a great idea.

Tourism Minister Misezhnikov (Y.B.) expressed government support for the bill. He noted that in most years Independence Day has not been celebrated on the 4th of Iyar.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) opposed the bill and told the MKs supporting the bill they should be ashamed of themselves. He said Independence Day is not about the long weekend and parties and stressed it is about the holiness of the day.

MK Zeev (Shas) opposed the bill and asked when he is supposed to say Hallel- on the 4th of Iyar or on the Thursday. He said that the 4th of Iyar is a symbol and should not be moved. He stated this change is not what the public wants and religious people will be very angry if this bill passes. He said it is not up to the Knesset to change holidays, even if it is a national holiday and not a religious one.

MK Shemtov responded that the 4th of Iyar is holy but the people’s wishes need to be taken into account.

The first bill passed its preliminary reading 35-4 and was sent to the Culture Committee.

The second bill passed its preliminary reading 35-4 and was sent to the Culture Committee.

Amendment to the Transport Ordinance Bill

MK Bielski (Kadima) explained the amendment would regulate the issue of bicycles on highways. He stated that 15 bicycle riders are killed every year and 80 are injured seriously among the 300 bicycle injuries a year. He said the long list of regulations would allow bicycles on highways during certain hours.

Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) expressed government support for the bill but noted that some of the regulations written in the bill need to be changed.

MK Yoel Hasson opposed the bill and slammed the restrictions on the bicycle riders. He said that overall this bill will reduce the number of bicycle riders because of the restrictions on using headphones. He said that he will fight for cyclist rights.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 25-0 with 3 MKs abstaining and was sent to the Finance Committee.

Amendment to the Plant Protection Bill

MK Molla (Kadima) explained his amendment would exempt certain provisions of the bill for teff grains. He said that teff grains are a popular Ethiopian food and this bill will make importing easier for an important food that is not grown in Israel. He said it is a healthy food and the government should help out here.

Agriculture Minister Noked (Independence) expressed government support for the bill. She noted that it would have to reflect the international agreements that Israel has signed.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 24-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

Amendment to the Organ Transplant Bill

MK Gal-On (Meretz) explained her amendment would give priority to a relative in cases of living donor organ donations. She said that the benefits that are given to deceased organ donors should also be given to live donors and that live donors should get an additional bonus. She said that this bill will encourage people to give their live organs. She noted that the bill would place live organ donors highest on the organ donor list in cases of need.

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

The bill passed its preliminary reading 33-0 and was sent to the Health Committee.

Amendment to the Local Authorities Bill

MK Barakeh (Hadash) explained his amendment would apply municipal property tax exemptions currently in place for soldiers, victims of war and police to young couples as well. He said the current system discriminates against Arabs since they don’t serve the country.

Religious Services Minister Margi expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that there is a government committee that is discussing the issue and there is no need for the bill until the committee submits its results.

The bill was defeated 14-34.

Respecting the Rights of the Founders of Buildings in Judea and Samaria Bill

MK Katzeleh (N.U.) waved to the hundreds of residents of the Ulpana neighborhood in Beit El who were sitting in the gallery. He said that the decree that would evict them from their homes by July 1st is unacceptable. He thanked Speaker Rivlin for agreeing that this bill is legal and constitutional. He explained that if a house is built in any part of Israel and there is government support through signatures and infrastructure, and it turns out that the land purchased belongs to someone else and that is proven by the Supreme Court, the government will seize the land and compensate the original owner financially. He stressed that the arrangement of knocking down houses or evicting people in these cases won’t happen. He revealed that he met with Prime Minister Netanyahu who asked him to delay the bill by two weeks. He told the residents of Judea and Samaria to look at the Likud and this nationalist government that is instructing the government to vote against the solution to their problems. He noted that most of the 65 nationalist MKs wanted to vote for this bill and Prime Minister Netanyahu is preventing them from doing so. He asked why Defense Minister Barak or some random lawyer has more influence over Netanyahu than his natural partners. He looked at the nationalist MKs and asked them how they can have hearts of stone. He charged that they don’t care about throwing people out of their homes. He called on coalition MKs to support the bill. He said Netanyahu is sending him messages asking him to delay the vote but he refuses. He told the MKs trying to convince him to drop the bill and be a politician that he isn’t a politician. He said even if the bill falls it is important that one Jew stands up and says enough is enough. He asked where the hearts are of the MKs and told them that they have no heart.

Minister Begin (Likud) responded that the government opposes the bill on the grounds that they requested two weeks to examine a different solution to the Ulpana problem before bringing this bill to a vote. He said that Katzeleh’s decision to vote on the bill instead of waiting forces the government’s hand to oppose it. He responded that he has a heart and it isn’t a heart of stone, it is a heart of responsibility that goes hand in hand with the brain and common sense. He said that the issues this bill causes are of greater concern than its benefits. MK Ben Ari (N.U.) heckled Begin and was thrown out by Speaker Rivlin. This led to heckling from the Arab and Meretz MKs. Begin called on Katzeleh to withdraw the bill for the sake of the 350,000 residents of Judea and Samaria. MK Zahalka (Balad) was thrown out by Speaker Rivlin for heckling as well.

MK Katzeleh apologized for getting overly emotional and the things that he said. He thanked the government, including Minister Mofaz (Kadima) and Defense Minister Barak (Independence), for building up Judea and Samaria. He said that the government can decide to override a court sentence for justice as they do in prisoner exchanges. He told Prime Minister Netanyahu that Netanyahu’s people asked his Rabbi, Rav Melamed, to postpone the vote on the bill.

Prime Minister Netanyahu responded that he didn’t ask Katzeleh to postpone the bill and he should bring it if he wanted to. He rejected Katzeleh’s claim that he sent messengers to Rav Melamed.

MK Katzeleh decided to withdraw his bill.

Environment Minister Erdan (Likud) said the government’s position is that if Katzeleh decides to withdraw the bill, the government will support that move.

Speaker Rivlin agreed and announced that since the MK and government agree the vote on the bill will be postponed for two weeks.

________________________________________________________________

This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s May 23, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/02514012.doc

Tags: , , , , , ,
Comment

Panels Polling Company Poll: Likud 29, Labor 18, Yesh Atid 15, Yisrael Beitenu 12, Shas 9

Filed under: Knesset, Polls — 1 Comment
June 5, 2012

The poll was conducted June 3 2012 and broadcast on Knesset Channel 99 the next day.

The sampling size was 506 Israelis and the margin of error is 4.3%.

If elections were held today who would you vote for?

Current Knesset seats in [brackets]

29 [27] Likud
18 [08] Labor
15 [—] Yesh Atid
12 [15] Yisrael Beitenu
09 [11] Shas
07 [03] Meretz
06 [04] National Union
05 [05] Yahadut Hatorah/UTJ
05 [28] Kadima
04 [04] Hadash
04 [03] Balad
03 [03] Jewish Home
03 [04] Ra’am-Ta’al
00 [05] Independence

Right 64 Center-Left 56

Tags: , , ,
Comment

Knesset Summer Session 2012 Day 4: From Early Elections to Unity Government

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — 1 Comment
May 28, 2012

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

  • Kadima’s no-confidence motion was defeated 44-63 with one MK abstaining. Hadash, Ra’am-Ta’al and Balad’s joint no-confidence motion was defeated 41-65 with one MK abstaining. Labor’s no-confidence motion was defeated 47-62 with one MK abstaining. National Union’s no-confidence motion was defeated 6-62 with 23 MKs abstaining.
  • New Kadima MK Yuval Zellner was sworn in, taking former Kadima MK Tzipi Livni’s place.
  • Herzl Day was marked by speeches from Speaker Rivlin, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Opposition Leader Mofaz.
  • House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) announced which disputed bills will be discussed in which committees.
  • Bills calling for new elections were submitted by Minister Erdan (Likud) and nine other MKs. This led to a long discussion that provided the opportunity for campaign speeches. At the end of the discussion Erdan’s bill was passed in its first reading 109-1 (Labor MK Majadele opposed) with ten MKs not present for the vote. The other bills passed their preliminary readings 100-2, 87-3, 96-2-1, 101-2-1, 91-2-1, 86-3-1, 101-2-1, 72-4-2 and 96-2-2.

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.

________________________________________________________________

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

Tags: , , , , , ,
Comment

Latest Panels Poll: Likud 30, Labor 16, Y.B. 15, Kadima 13, Lapid 10

Filed under: Knesset, Polls — 4 Comments
April 8, 2012

An internet based Panels Polling Company Poll was conducted before the weekend, a week and a half after Kadima’s leadership primary. The poll was broadcast on the Knesset Channel (Channel 99) who had ordered the poll.

If elections were held today who would you vote for?

Current Knesset seats in [brackets]

30 [27] Likud
16 [08] Labor
15 [15] Yisrael Beitenu
13 [28] Kadima
10 [—] Yair Lapid
21 [23] Shas, Yahadut Hatorah/UTJ, National Union and Jewish Home
15 [14] Meretz, Hadash, Ra’am-Ta’al and Balad
00 [05] Independence

66 Nationilist Camp

54 Center-Left-Arab Camp

Tags: , , , , ,
Comment