Tag Archive: politics


Knesset Summer Session 2012 Day 13: Military Reserves Day

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June 14, 2012

The Knesset’s session Tuesday lasted about and three a half hours. Six bills were discussed. Four bills became law after passing their third readings, and two bills were advanced after passing their first readings. There was no session on Monday because of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, so Monday’s agenda was postponed to Tuesday. About half of the MKs did not show up, and most of them left before the motion marking Military Reserves Day took place. Speaker Rivlin expressed his displeasure that a day that is meant to merge two days could have such a light agenda and attendance.

Non-Bills Summary

  • Hadash, Ra’am-Ta’al and Balad’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘The government’s failure in the political, economic and social sectors’ was defeated 13-50.
  • Labor and Meretz’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘The inability of the Netanyahu government in the social, political and economic sectors’ was defeated 13-53.
  • A motion on Military Reserves Recognition Day was discussed by Speaker Rivlin, five MKs, Deputy Minister Kara (Likud) and Minister Mofaz (Likud).

Bills Summary

Temporary Amendment to the Clean Air Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Cohen (Shas) explained the amendment shortens the approval process for polluting factories that deal with natural gas for a one year period. He said that this will pave the way for natural gas from Israel’s shores to be used for Israel as soon as possible in order to lower electricity prices.

MK Khenin (Hadash) objected to the bill on the grounds that this will allow pollution since the short appeal time will make it impossible to prevent the new factories for natural gas from being built. He said it is worth having a short term spike in electricity rates to preserve the environment as opposed to ruining the environment so we can save a few shekels. He quoted Rahm Emanuel to prove his point. He stressed the importance of keeping mother earth healthy for the next generations.

The bills paragraphs passed their second readings 19-1 and 20-2.

The bills objections were defeated 2-17 and 2-17.

The bill passed its third reading 21-1.

Amendment to the Jewish Religious Services Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Cohen explained the amendment would allow the selling of burial plots for people who are still alive in private cemeteries. He said that the amendment will also regulate the Berket cemetery and its 330,000 burial plots. He noted that there will be a cap on the price of burial plots as well as discounts for two burial plots next to each other for couples.

The bill passed its second reading 14-0.

The bill passed its third reading 14-0.

Amendment to the Sports Bill

MK Pinyan (Likud) explained the amendment would require sports teams to insure all of their players and to release or trade players within a year of their request. He said it is important that all players are covered and have the ability to move from team to team.

The bill passed its second reading 12-0.

The bill passed its third reading 13-0.

MK Tirosh (Kadima) thanked Chairman Miller (Y.B.) for helping her advance and pass her bill. She slammed the sports unions for fighting against this bill by trying to preserve the teams’ rights to keep players under contract but on the bench. She expressed pride that the government and Knesset refused to give in to last minute pressure and passed the law.

Amendment to the Supervision of Dogs Bill

Finance Committee Chairman Shama (Likud) praised MK Cabel (Labor) for his impressive second place finish in the Histadrut workers union chairmanship race. He explained the amendment will raise the price of non-neutered dogs’ registry cards to NIS 300 more than those for neutered dogs. He thanked everyone for helping with this bill.

The bill passed its second reading 9-0.

The bill passed its third reading 9-0.

Amendment to the Benefits for Soldiers and Their Families Bill

MK Matalon (Y.B.) explained the amendment would extend the period of time soldiers who are injured while on vacation are entitled to full benefits from 14 days to 21 days.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) supported and praised the bill. He said that as someone who was injured in active duty, there are a lot of ways the country can improve on taking care of their injured. He told his personal story in tears of how he was left in the middle of nowhere with bullet shards in his shoulder and arm and the cab they ordered him didn’t come. He went on to call on the government to finish building the fence and kick out all of the illegal immigrants.

The bill passed its first reading 13-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

MK Tirosh realized that she forgot to thank her parliamentary assistant for helping her with her bill.

Amendment to the Computer Bill

MK Avraham Balila (Kadima) explained the amendment would extend the ban on software aimed at violating someone’s privacy or eavesdropping on cell phones and the internet. She noted this bill would also allow Israel to meet their requirements as expected from the state when they signed an international agreement against cybercrimes.

MK Ben Ari said this is an important bill and expressed his support. He told the politicians that they should be condemning the violence of the illegal immigrants and not the violence of the victims of the illegal immigrants. He demanded the 80,000 to 120,000 illegal immigrants be deported. He said the danger of nuclear Iran is more dangerous than Sudan and Eritrea.

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

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s May 29, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/02590212.doc

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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.

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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

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Scenario Poll: New Likud with Netanyahu 17, YB 16, Labor 16, YA 15, Likud without Netanyahu 13

Filed under: Knesset, Polls — 7 Comments
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]

17 [27] New Likud with Netanyahu
16 [15] Yisrael Beitenu
16 [08] Labor
15 [—] Yesh Atid
13 [–] Likud without Netanyahu
08 [11] Shas
06 [04] National Union
06 [03] Meretz
05 [05] Yahadut Hatorah/UTJ
04 [03] Jewish Home
04 [04] Hadash
04 [03] Balad
03 [04] Ra’am-Ta’al
03 [28] Kadima
00 [05] Independence

Right 69 Center-Left 51

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Knesset Summer Session 2012 Day 11: Psychologist Sex and Earthquakes

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June 3, 2012

The Knesset’s Tuesday session lasted about three hours. Two bills were discussed. One bill became law after passing its third reading, and one was advanced after passing its first reading. The new law prohibits sexual relations, even if consensual, between a psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker and a patient.

 

Non-Bills Summary

  • 17 MKs took part in the one minute speech segment that opened the day.
  • A motion marking National Student Day was discussed by Speaker Rivlin, Deputy Minister Gamliel (Likud) and 7 MKs.
  • A motion on Jewish Identity Day was discussed by Religious Services Minister Margi (Shas) and 3 MKs.

 

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Penal Code Bill

Justice, Law and Constitution Committee Chairman Rotem (Y.B.) explained the amendment would prohibit a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker from engaging in sexual activities with a patient during treatment up until three years after the treatments end. He announced the punishment will be four years in prison. He stressed there is no such thing as consensual sex between a healer and a patient.

The bill passed its second reading 12-0.

The bill passed its third reading 12-0.

MK Shai (Kadima) thanked the Knesset for approving his bill. He expressed regret on the compromises he made in regards to alternative medicine but agreed that this is an important first step towards rectifying a hole in Israeli law.

Amendment to the Lands Bill

MK Orlev (J.H.) explained the amendment attempts to combat the issue of strengthening condominiums and apartment buildings against earthquakes by facilitating easier conditions for strengthening joint buildings.

MK Eichler (U.T.J.) supported Orlev’s bill and gave a dvar torah (a speech on Jewish studies).

MK Zeev (Shas) expressed his support for the bill and pointed out that this bill might be able to save lives by making it easier to strengthen apartments against earthquakes.

MK Whbee (Kadima) supported and praised the bill. He thanked Orlev for trying to limit the bureaucracy involved in this process. He warned that earthquakes are a real threat in our area and people should act before it is too late.

MK Michaeli (Shas) supported and blessed the bill. He said that old buildings are in danger of collapse and this will make it easier to save them from disaster.

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

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s May 22, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/02483612.doc

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Knesset Summer Session 2012 Day 10: Tzohar Bills Advanced

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — 2 Comments

The Knesset’s Monday session lasted about six and a half hours. Fourteen bills were discussed. Three bills became law after passing their third readings, and eleven bills were advanced after passing their first readings. The two Tzohar Bills were advanced in their first readings. The bills would allow couples to register for marriage at any rabbinate, including the Shoham municipality that employs lenient Tzohar rabbis. The ultra-orthodox MKs voted against those bills as well as another bill that deals with the inheritance of adoptive family members.

 

Non-Bills Summary

 

  • Hadash, Ra’am-Ta’al and Balad’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘The government’s failure in dealing with the underlying causes of violence and the lack of a comprehensive integrated plan to enhance personal security in the Arab sector’ was defeated 16-62-1.
  • Labor and Meretz’s joint no-confidence motion titled ‘The most bloated government in Israeli history tramples on democracy and is mistreating civilians in Israel’ was defeated 15-63-1.
  • New Kadima MK Akram Hasson (Kadima) gave his first Knesset speech after replacing the recently deceased Kadima MK Gideon Ezra.
  • Speaker Rivlin, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Opposition Leader Yachimovich gave speeches marking Jerusalem Day.
  • Technical changes were approved on the Aviation Bill 32-0 and 35-0.
  • Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz’s request to fix a technical issue with a bill was approved by a 27-0 vote.
  • Appropriations Committee Chairman Gafni’s request to fix a technical issue with a bill was approved by a 16-0 vote.
  • MK Pinyan (Likud) presented the Interior Committee’s request to fix a technical issue with a bill, which was approved by an 18-0 vote.

 

 

Bills Summary

 

Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill

Appropriations Committee Chairman Gafni (U.T.J.) explained the amendment would give tax breaks on donations to non-profits that work to encourage the settlement industry in Israel. He confessed it will include Judea and Samaria, but it will also include the Negev and Galil. He said this is not a right or left bill, this is a Zionist bill meant to help the Zionist settlements wherever they are.

MK Ariel (N.U.) called the bill one of the most worthy bills the 18th Knesset will pass. He said that every Jewish settlement, wherever they are in Israel, is important, and non-profits that encourage settlement should be given additional tax breaks. He said this bill will help Jews from Eilat to Katzrin.

MK Khenin (Hadash) said there is no reason to hide and called this a settler bill meant for Judea and Samaria. He said those who live in Israel are jealous of the tax money and subsidies spent there and now they will be even more jealous. He called settlements in Judea and Samaria illegal according to international law and the Geneva Convention and called for a true two-state solution. He asked the Knesset and those who support the peace process to oppose and defeat the bill.

The bill passed its second reading 31-13.

The bill passed its third reading 33-13.

Sheltered Housing Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Katz (Likud) called this original bill of 35 pages and hundreds of clauses among the most complicated bills he has ever brought to the Knesset for approval. He said it took three years of committee meetings to discuss and finalize the bill. He explained the bill decides who is eligible for sheltered housing and the regulations of the sheltered housing program. He thanked his staff for helping him with such a complex bill. He thanked the recently deceased MK Gideon Ezra for working hard on this bill.

MK Molla (Kadima) recalled attending committee meetings with Ezra and backed Ezra’s positions. He said this was a balanced bill that helps all sides. He thanked Chairman Katz for ordering sandwiches during the late night committee meetings.

MK Edery (Kadima) said that important bills like this explain why it is a good thing that early elections were avoided. He said thousands of people will enjoy the fruits of the bill.

The bill passed its second reading 36-0.

The bill passed its third reading 36-0.

Amendment to the Parties Bill

House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) explained the amendment would allow parties to validate their membership information with the population registry before primary elections. He noted that this arrangement already exists during the period of time before general elections, so there is no reason not to have this information exchanged during the primary process as well. He said the bill will take effect in one year. He noted that Likud, Kadima and Labor support the bill.

The bill passed its second reading 21-0.

The bill passed its third reading 21-0.

Amendment to the Money Laundering Prohibition Bill

Minister Margi (Shas) explained the amendment would update the money laundering law to reflect international law on the subject, the new FATF regulations and anti-terrorism measures.

MK Eichler (U.T.J.) talked about the importance of the Jewish month of Sivan. He said that all of the Jews today are descendents of the Jews who kept the Torah, not the Jews who tried to seek enlightenment elsewhere.

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

Amendment to the Income Tax Bill

Finance Minister Steinitz (Likud) praised the previous bill that severely harms the organized crime syndicates. He explained the amendment would give provident fund tax exemptions on rental income for long term apartment rentals. He expressed hope this will encourage people to put up their additional apartments up for rent since it will be a money making process. He stated this bill should increase the long term rental industry and will lead to more building.

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

Amendment to the Penal Code Bill

Minister Margi explained the amendment would place a ban on people leaving the country if sentenced to community service. He said this will prevent these criminals from leaving the country and never paying their debt to society.

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

Amendment to the Criminal Procedure Bill

Minister Margi explained the amendment would impose an obligation on a prisoner who receives early release to sign a paper stating he agrees to avoid committing the same crime again.

The bill passed its first reading 14-0 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Amendment to the Evidence Ordinance Bill

 

Minister Margi explained the amendment would repeal the laws regarding military traffic court, which has not existed since 1975.

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

Amendment to the Municipalities Ordinance Bill

Minister Margi explained the amendment would allow the municipalities to conduct the elections for internal agricultural committees without the Interior Ministry taking any part of the election. He noted that the bill would take effect in 2018.

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

Amendment to the Local Authorities Bill

Minister Margi explained the amendment deals with when and how the government can grant a local authority assistance during an emergency.

The bill passed its first reading 14-0 and was sent to the Interior Committee.

Two Amendments to the Marriage and Divorce Ordinance Bill

MK Schneller (Kadima) explained his revolutionary breakthrough amendment would allow any Jewish couple to submit a request for registration of marriage with any Israeli city rabbinate they choose. He said the hundreds of Israeli couples that leave Israel to Cyprus every year to register for marriage is worrisome and this bill will allow flexibility to Jewish couples so they can find a rabbi they like in a city they like. He said the bill will require the rabbinate to create a computerized system to follow each step of the marriage registration process. He added the bill requires the rabbi who is registering the couple to speak with the rabbi in both the groom’s and bride’s communities in order to learn more about the couple. He said certain rabbis act problematically towards the couples and no couple should have to be penalized for being trapped in the city in which they live. He stressed they should be free to be registered by any authorized rabbinate rabbi. He concluded that this bill is supported by most rabbis and follows Jewish law.

MK Elkin (Likud) explained he is presenting MK Kirshenbaum’s (Y.B.) bill since she is overseas. He said that her bill is very similar to Schneller’s. Gafni heckled him, and Kadima defended Elkin who was busy smiling and giggling. He explained that the bill will start with a pilot program for 15 cities. He asked what the objection is to the bill since a Rabbi that can register couples who live in Tel Aviv should be able to register couples who don’t live in Tel Aviv.

MK Gafni said that the logic of this bill means that if he doesn’t like the court in Haifa, he should be able to ask to be tried in Be’er Sheva. He said that this Tzohar rabbi bill is dangerous and could cause problems such as a brother marrying his sister. He told Schneller and Elkin that it is unbelievable that two religious guys are trying to break apart Jewish marriage as they know it. He slammed Likud for breaking the status quo when it was the leftist Kadima that supported the ultra-orthodox. He told Schneller that it will be him that causes the separation of religion from state. He told Elkin that he doesn’t speak the truth. He called on the Knesset to oppose the bill.

MK Zuaretz (Kadima) told Gafni that he is driving a wedge between religion and state by refusing to allow technological updates.

MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) called it a historic bill that is pro-religious and anti-Cyprus. He said this is a big achievement for Kadima because the Kadima national unity government enabled a political atmosphere that allows the advancement of this bill. He noted that this bill had been shelved because of the previous coalition and this bill is one of the reasons why it is a good thing early elections were avoided.

MK Molla said that Gafni puts things in your face. He said the ultra-orthodox don’t want to give up on their control and money and the politicizing of religious issues. He called on them to act as the House of Hillel and not as the House of Shamai. He called orthodox Jews extreme and slammed their behavior towards converts. He said Ethiopian Jews aren’t allowed to get married in most places and this bill will set them free.

MK Zeev (Shas) said that this is a free market bill that allows couples to shop around for the right Rabbi that will believe they are Jewish or that has lower standards. He said in Judaism there are principles and this bill violates them. He slammed the Tzohar rabbis and charged this is an attempt of a hostile takeover of the rabbinate. He said the 55 Tzohar rabbis do their job but to give them more power is very dangerous.

MK Shai (Kadima) said that Gafni should show a little flexibility on this issue and allow this technical change. He stated the bill will help Judaism.

MK Maklev (U.T.J.) said MK Schneller presented a false show. He said this is not an orthodox bill nor does it follow Jewish law. He stressed the chief rabbis and a majority of important rabbis are against this bill. He stated this bill harms tradition. He said that change is not in the Jewish dictionary.

Education Minister Sa’ar (Likud) expressed government for the two bills and called for them being merged into one.

MK Schneller answered Gafni that a religious service is not a court case and if that is what Gafni believes, he has a bitter disagreement with him. He said that this bill will prevent problems, not cause them. He said his bill is not meant for the Tzohar rabbis, it is meant for all rabbis, and for freedom. He went on to praise the Tzohar rabbis who he said praise the name of God. He said this bill is what God wants.

MK Gafni said he apologizes to all the rabbis who will be harmed by this bill. He said his party is viewing this vote as a no-confidence motion against the government.

The first bill passed its first reading 25-8 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

The second bill passed its first reading 28-8 and was sent to the Justice Committee.

Amendment to the Law and Administration Ordinance Bill

House Committee Chairman Levin explained the amendment would regulate how committees make technical corrections to bills.

MK Eichler said that Gafni is fighting for future generations so that they will remain Jewish. He said the monopoly of the rabbinate is important and must be maintained. He said that today the world is boycotting Judea and Samaria and tomorrow they will boycott Tel Aviv. He asked if Israel does not support their Judaism, why should the international community? He said that the way Jerusalem Day was covered was very sad since it focused on the negativity towards Jerusalem’s ultra-orthodox community. He said there are some good Tzohar rabbis but the previous bill gave them too much control and power.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) slammed the Israeli Police Commissioner, who has decided to instruct his policemen to ignore laws that prohibit illegal immigrant workers. He said when a policeman decides he is a minister then we have a problem with democracy since it is his job to follow orders not to choose from them selectively. He noted that refugees come with their wives and children, but these illegal immigrants come as only men, which shows their true intentions. He called on the police to bring an end to the rape cases by deporting the illegals.

The bill passed its first reading 20-1 and was sent to the House Committee.

Amendment to the Inheritance Bill

MK Horowitz (Meretz) explained the amendment would equate inheritance rights so that children by adoption will receive rights equal to those of biological children. He said certain people do not know they are adopted and when they find out they are adopted at the age of 50 because of a death in the family, they do not get any inheritance.

MK Ben Ari called on the public to attend public rallies and protests supporting southern Tel Avivians in their struggle against the illegal immigrants. He said inheritance battles tear families apart. He called on people to write a will to correct misunderstandings.

MK Zeev said the Torah (bible) says women and adopted children do not receive inheritance. He said there is a chance someone can receive inheritance from both the biological and adoptive parents at the price of the other siblings.

MK Schneller said a will or present is not inheritance and if the bill changes its language it can fit Jewish law. He said the purpose of the bill is justified but Jewish law should be respected.

MK Maklev said that adopting is important, and the ultra-orthodox community adopts more than the secular population. He said that Jewish law does not prohibit giving to adoptive children, it just prohibits including them if there is no will. He said most of the problems in Israel today concerning adoptive children are because of family rivalries that cut people out, not because of Jewish law. He said that this bill is taking money away from someone else and that is a problem.

 

The bill passed its first reading 20-7 and was sent to the House Committee.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s May 21, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/02478012.doc

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