Tag Archive: urgent queries


Knesset Summer Session 2012 Day 20: Light Rail Fines Appeal Committee

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — 2 Comments
June 18, 2012

The Knesset’s Wednesday session lasted about five hours. Nine bills were discussed. Four bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings, three bills were turned into motions, and two bills were withdrawn before the vote to avoid defeat. The highlight bill of the day for Jerusalem readers will be the new appeals committee for light rail fines. Other interesting bills were discussed during the jam-packed day.

Non-Bills Summary

  • Interior Minister Yishai (Shas), Communications Minister Kahlon (Likud), Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) and Homeland Security Minister Aharonovitch (Y.B.) answered urgent queries at the beginning of the session.
  • House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) announced his committee’s suggestion of MK Shemtov (Y.B.) as Deputy Speaker to fill the spot of MK Levi-Abekasis, who resigned earlier in the day. It was approved 28-0.
  • Six motions were discussed. Four motions were sent for further discussion in committee by the votes 11-0, 8-0, 5-0 and 7-0. One motion was defeated 6-48, and one motion was not voted on.

Bills Summary

Amendments to the Illegal Residence Bill

Speaker Rivlin asked House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) how his committee can allow this bill to get a shortcut that saves it 45 days if the government decided to withdraw their support for the bill. Levin responded that his committee and Akunis didn’t know the government changed their mind and that he should take the issue up with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Deputy Prime Minister Mofaz.

MK Akunis (Likud) slammed Mofaz and Kadima for trying to torpedo his bill. He quoted former Prime Minister Begin in his opening Knesset address in June 1977 when he invited all Vietnamese refugees to Israel. He said that 70,000 illegal immigrants are not refugees. He said that these illegals have flooded Tel Aviv, Eilat, Arad, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Netanya and Haifa. He said that he is for human rights but asked where the rights of the citizens of southern Tel Aviv are. He stressed that the Knesset was elected by them and not by the illegals. He said true social justice is taking care of our poor, not illegals. He said that these illegals live in the weakest communities and take away the communities’ jobs. He explained his amendment would toughen the restrictions that prohibit assisting the illegals by toughening punishment for those who house, employ or transport them within Israel’s borders. He said that he wishes that the courts never need to try someone but expressed the importance of it none the less. He noted the illegal housing of Bedouins in the Negev that isn’t being demolished when the Ulpana is.  He praised the government for building the fence by investing two billion shekels and assured Israelis that the 170 Kilometer fence will be completed by this fall. He praised the soldiers who do their job protecting us. He said that these illegals must be returned healthy and whole to their countries after the fence is completed. He noted his meeting with the Eritrean ambassador who assured him that every illegal can be sent back to his home without any harm coming to them.  Akunis withdrew the bill to avoid defeat.

Motion/Amendment to the Penal Code

MK Zeev (Shas) explained his amendment would prohibit disrobing or being naked in all public places with the exception of beaches with a punishment of one year of jail time. He slammed the actor Tonic Spencer for creating the naked culture in Israel. He said that this is not Sdom and Gemorah and being naked in public is simply not acceptable. He made it clear that he is not talking about partial nudity but rather full nudity. He said public pornography is not acceptable. He spent ten minutes stressing this point. He concluded by asking why many places in the United States have stronger laws on these matters than Israel.

Justice Minister Neeman said the new crime of being naked in public and the one year jail time is excessive and the government expresses their opposition to the bill. He noted that current law prohibits nudity in public in certain cases. He added that the bill isn’t written in proper legal language and is too broad. He said he would allow the matter to be discussed in committee as a motion and Zeev agreed to do so.

MK Khenin (Hadash) opposed the motion on the grounds that nudity is a democratic right of artistic expression and a Knesset discussion is problematic.

MK Horowitz (Meretz) opposed the motion on the grounds that a Knesset discussion on the topic of outlawing nudity has no place in a democratic system.

MK Zeev asked that the motion be sent to the Women’s Rights Committee.

The motion passed 12-7 and was sent to the Women’s Rights Committee.

Amendment to the National Health Insurance Bill

MK Sheetrit (Kadima) explained that the amendment will force the kupot cholim to send the ‘17 transfer form’ directly to hospitals or other medical providers instead of expecting the patient to deal with the paper work. He noted that his bill was defeated a year ago but he decided to try again. He read out a Bar Ilan University professor’s problems with the 17 transfer form. He told a personal story of how a problematic 17 transfer lead to a friend getting diagnosed with cancer a month later than he should have.

Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.) expressed government support for the bill. He said that this situation should be resolved by January 1, 2013, and if it is not then this bill can be advanced further.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 29-0 and was sent to the Health Committee.

Establishing a Database Regarding the Product Prices in Chain Stores Bill

MK Shama (Likud) explained his original bill would create a national digital database that lists the prices of food, pharmacy and gasoline in chain stores. He said this free market bill will increase competition and lower prices. He said the ability to find the cheapest price on any product will help the weakest sectors in Israeli society.

Industry and Trade Minister Simhon (Independence) expressed government support for the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary 16-0 and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee will prepare the bill for its first reading.

Two Amendments to the Railways Ordinance Bill

MK Rotem (Y.B.) explained his amendment would reduce the fine for driving without a local train ticket and create an appeals committee. He said Jerusalem light rail passengers are dealing with problematic issues.

MK Maklev (U.T.J.) slammed Citipass for excessively slapping fines on people. He said the absence of an appeals system is not democratic, especially since it is a private company and not the police or a local city official.

Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) expressed government support for both bills.

The first bill passed its preliminary reading 26-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

The second bill passed its preliminary reading 27-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

Motion/Amendment to the Local Authorities Bill

MK Cabel (Labor) explained the amendment would create sheltered apartments for people who are thrown out of their homes for not paying their mortgages. He noted the loophole in Israeli law that protects the homeless but not someone who lost their home because of not being able to make payments. He stressed that a former apartment owner is not eligible to receive help from the Labor and Welfare Ministry.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) expressed government opposition to the bill due to financial restraints but asked Cabel to turn the bill into a motion so that they can have an intensive discussion in committee to elaborate on the sensitive issue. Cabel agreed.

The motion passed 27-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

Motion/Amendment to the Students’ Rights Bill

MK Barakeh (Hadash) explained his amendment would prohibit placing a conditional fee as part of an entry process to learning at a state school. He said that public school should be free and he cannot understand how the government can oppose his bill.

Deputy Education Minister Moses (U.T.J.) expressed government opposition to the bill because its provisions already exist in Israeli law. He noted the areas in Israeli law that deal with the five aspects of the bill. He stressed that no student can be turned away because of his parents’ inability to pay tuition. He noted the book borrowing program and the planned digital books program. MK Matalon (Y.B.) said this should be discussed in committee because the truth is very different than the law. MK Cabel also pressured Moses to allow a motion. Moses asked Barakeh to turn the bill into a motion to enable a committee discussion.

Barakeh responded that his bill should be passed to protect the children. He agreed to turn the bill into a motion.

The motion passed 26-0 and was sent to the Education Committee.

Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill

MK Gal-On (Meretz) explained her amendment would prohibit tax deductions for people who make more than NIS 61,000 a month. She went on to slam those who make large salaries and save money twice through tax deductions. She blasted the capitalistic government and their anti-socialist policies that protect big companies and their managers. She said that the government should not be afraid of the social justice protests and should listen to their solutions. She decided to withdraw the bill until a later date to prevent defeat.

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

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/02883212.doc

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Knesset Summer Session 2012 Day 3: Election Fever

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — 3 Comments
May 28, 2012

The Knesset’s Wednesday session lasted about seven hours. Fourteen bills were discussed. One bill became law after passing its third reading, and two bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings. One bill was turned into a motion, two bills were not brought to a vote in order to avoid defeat and eight bills were defeated. The day was filled with election fever as the opposition proposed bills with little chance of advancing.

 

Non-Bills Summary

 

  • Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.) and Interior Minister Yishai (Shas) answered urgent queries at the beginning of the session.
  • Speaker Rivlin greeted the visiting European Parliament members.
  • Five motions were discussed on the hot news issues of the week. Three were sent to committee by the votes of 10-2, 9-0 and 6-1. The other two motions were defeated 6-6 and 2-3.

 

Bills Summary

 

Amendment to the Defamation Bill

MK Eichler (U.T.J.) slammed Likud and Liberman for trying to call early elections and their attempts to raise the threshold. He explained his amendment would add belonging to a social group under the Defamation Bill.  Eichler pulled the bill before voting in order to avoid defeat.

Amendment to the Consumer Protection Bill

MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) explained his amendment would prohibit conditional commitment transactions for a fixed period of time. He said that this bill targets gym memberships that severely harm consumer protection. He told the gyms that this bill would force them to give monthly rates as opposed to yearly rates and will increase competition.

Minister Nahari (Shas) expressed government support for the bill.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 23-0 and was sent to the Education, Culture and Sport Committee.

Amendment to the Planning and Building Bill

MK Michaeli (Shas) explained his amendment would prohibit the demolition or the change of a structure of religious importance. He stressed the importance of prohibiting the rezoning of religious buildings such as synagogues to maintain their holiness. He talked about a synagogue in Tel Aviv that was built in 1920 and a person who recently bought it and knocked it down to build high-rise residential buildings. He asked how the Jewish state could allow Jewish structures to be demolished under Israeli law.

Interior Minister Yishai (Shas) expressed government support for what he called a very important bill that would match Israeli law with most western countries. He warned that those who vote against this bill would be voting against religious rights.

MK Horowitz (Meretz) opposed the bill and charged this is a bill that will give Shas the power to prevent the destruction of any building they decide is a religious building. He called this bill extortion and illogical. He suggested this bill would also apply to Judea and Samaria. He stated the current law must be upheld.

 

MK Michaeli said election fever has turned the most logical bills into political ammunition. He stressed that this bill won’t be applied to Judea and Samaria. He noted this bill will protect churches and mosques as well and he couldn’t understand how this is Shas extortion.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 49-13 and was sent to the Interior Committee.

Two Amendments to the Social Security Bill

MK Herzog (Labor) explained his amendment would give those sexually assaulted at work social security payment benefits equal to those injured at work. He said that sexual assault is equal to if not worse than physical injuries and women should receive the same benefits.

MK Gal-On (Meretz) explained her similar amendment would accomplish the same thing. She said that women don’t come forward about sexual assault because they don’t want to lose their job and this bill will encourage them to do so.

Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon (Likud) said that those who are sexually assaulted at work should be protected and the law does protect them as it does all sexually assaulted women. He stated that those physically injured during their course of employment are entitled to different benefits and there is no reason to mix the two. He said that the government opposes the bill because this is something that already exists, and this bill is purely politically motivated.

MK Gal-On said that these bills are meant to increase the money given to sexually assaulted women in order to encourage them to report the incident to the proper authorities.

The first bill was defeated 21-31.

The second bill was defeated 19-31.

Two Amendments to the Value Added Tax Bill

MK Molla (Kadima) said there are many poor people in Israel, and it is the government’s responsibility to take care of them. He explained his amendment would place a zero rate tax on basic food products. He said he feels Israel needs to become a welfare state and that he isn’t embarrassed by that view. He stated that he isn’t a communist, but he isn’t a capitalist either.

MK Horowitz said that indirect taxes are bad and his party is against all of them, including VAT. He said indirect taxes are discriminatory against the poor and help the rich. He said that as a proud socialist he feels that tax exemptions on basic food items are the government’s responsibility, as is strong government supervision. He said the disparity between the high cost of living and the low salaries is unbearable. He slammed the capitalistic economic policy of the government.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) said that indirect taxes like the VAT are an equal tax on both the rich and the poor. He said that all items have a VAT, and the beginning of VAT exemptions will open the floodgates, crashing the VAT system. He warned that this bill would cost 6 billion shekels each year, and the government opposes the bills for this reason.

MK Molla said that he isn’t looking to exempt everything from VAT but insisted that many items should be exempt.

The first bill was defeated 17-32.

The second bill was defeated 17-32.

Amendment to the Real Estate Tax Bill

MK Sheetrit (Kadima) said there are 146,000 empty “ghost” apartments in Israel that are owned by foreigners who don’t live in them. He said that his bill will encourage them to sell these apartments. He explained his amendment would eliminate the exemption from capital gains tax for nonresidents. He said that by doing this the apartments will no longer be a sound financial investment and they will sell their assets. He said there are 20,000 empty apartments in Tel Aviv, 14,000 in Haifa, 10,000 in Jerusalem, 1,720 in Be’er Sheva, 1,423 in Petah Tikva, 1,114  in Holon, 1,122 in Ramat Gan, 1,070 in Ashkelon, 958 in Tiberias and 902 Rishon Le’Tzion. He noted that in England the government takes away foreigners’ homes in London and sells them off. He noted this bill will increase taxes on foreigners by 3 billion shekels annually, and that money will be invested domestically. He slammed the government for opposing a bill that would lower prices in the housing market.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen praised this bill as another financially smart Sheetrit bill from a previous Finance Minister. He said the government opposes the bill because it will cause Israel to violate certain signed international treaties and because it lacks exemptions for nonresidents who plan to immigrate to Israel in the future. He suggested turning the bill into a motion in order to discuss the idea more and to find loopholes that will provide a well-rounded solution.

MK Sheetrit thanked Cohen for supporting his bill and expressed understanding that Cohen is just the messenger. He insisted his bill is a quick solution that will lower the housing prices. He noted that the foreigners already have a VAT tax exemption and this real estate tax exemption is really just too much.

The bill was defeated 10-27.

MK Tirosh (Kadima) announced she voted twice by mistake (her place and MK Shai). Deputy Speaker Vaknin announced it was a mistake for the protocol.

Amendment to the Nazi Persecution Bill

MK Bielski (Kadima) explained his amendment would create a national authority to serve as a one stop shop for Holocaust survivors to ease the bureaucracy. He noted that 80 MKs co-sponsored his bill. He said that asking elderly Holocaust survivors to run from one government ministry office to another is unacceptable. He said that by opposing the bill the government is saying that they don’t care about fighting for Holocaust survivor rights.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen said that all 120 MKs stand in unity for the Holocaust survivors and dismissed Bielski’s statements. He pointed out that Prime Minister Netanyahu founded a special office in the Prime Minister Office for Holocaust survivors that is led by Deputy Minister Nass (Likud). He said that office serves the Holocaust survivors very well and accomplishes much of what is asked from this bill. He went on to list the government accomplishments from that office for his final ten minutes.

MK Bielski charged the bill is being dropped because of politics. He screamed at Cohen and the government for three minutes.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen said he was offended by Bielski’s words because he agrees with the ideas but rejects that the government is failing the survivors.

Minister Peled (Likud) got up and asked, as a Holocaust survivor, if the vote on the bill could be delayed. Bielski agreed.

Profiler Teacher in Education System Bill

MK Tirosh (Kadima) explained her original bill would regulate the rights of the ten to fifteen percent of students with learning disabilities. She said that currently the government is not involved and external tests determine which rights will be given to the students. She charged that certain people buy learning disability rights. She stated her bill would nationalize the learning disability tests and recommendations and prevent misuse of the system. She said that her system is not just about punishment and those who cannot afford to buy rights would get them under her system. She said the 4,000 schools can share resources, and this does not have to cost a lot of money.

Education Minister Sa’ar (Likud) said that Tirosh touched on a sensitive subject and he agrees with her diagnosis of the problem but not her solution. He added that he personally agreed with the bill but the government requested two months to examine the 400 million shekel budget of the bill. He noted that the only reason the government is asking the Knesset to defeat the bill is because Tirosh chose not to wait the two months. He said that his ministry’s budget will be 5 to 6 billion shekels, and it takes time to reduce the number by 400 million. He went on to the topic of politics and slammed the opposition for trying to delay early elections. He said that Israel’s opposition will be the only opposition to vote against early elections.

MK Tirosh said that arrogance is a difficult thing. She slammed the government for deciding to call early elections and force the public to vote when they don’t want to.

Deputy Speaker Vaknin (Shas) said that the Knesset should conduct a secret vote on early elections. He said the results would be 2-118 with Netanyahu and Liberman as the only two who would vote for.

The bill was defeated 6-21.

Amendment to the Public Housing Tenant Rights Bill

MK Solodkin (Kadima) explained the amendment would increase the number of single parent immigrant families eligible for public housing by having criteria that would be easier to attain.

Housing Minister Atias (Shas) said that Solodkin’s bill is discriminatory against Israelis. He said that immigrants aren’t immigrants forever, and he is against raising the ten year ceiling. He said that all citizens on the public housing waiting list starting next week will get NIS 3,000 a month towards rent without giving up their position in line. He said that his measure is social justice, and Solodkin’s bill is not.

MK Solodkin slammed Atias, pointing out that 3,000 people waiting in line with his ministry will get NIS 3,000, but the 50,000 people waiting on the Immigrant Ministry list will not. She said that she is done with the bill and will tell the immigrants to “Supreme Court” the government in order to get the job done.

The bill was defeated 6-14.

Motion/Amendment to the Arrangements Bill

MK Swaid (Hadash) explained his amendment would change the calculations for property tax reductions for tuitions in the municipalities. He said the change would increase city tax reductions for families that house their university students at home. He stated this bill would assist poor families that send their children to university. He agreed to turn the bill into a motion to avoid defeat.

The motion passed 6-0 and was sent to the Appropriations Committee.

Amendment to the Law and Administration Ordinance Bill

MK Katzeleh (N.U.) said that early elections are a waste of money and pointed out the country sent the MKs to the Knesset for at least 4 years. He stated even though he doesn’t like this government, the people want it to last longer. He noted the agreement with Jewish Home and the National Religious Party that would have them running with National Union in the next elections. He expressed confidence that a joint list will lead to a double digit showing in elections and the party will have a lot of influence in the next government. He went on to discuss his nationalist bill that he said will be defeated by the nationalist parties for a third time this term. He said this bill put in place Israeli law in the cities, Regional Councils and Local Councils of Judea and Samaria. He listed his bill’s 40 co-sponsors from Likud, Yisrael Beitenu and other parties. He said that 350,000 Jews live in Judea and Samaria under military rule. He went on to slam Prime Minister Netanyahu’s position on a Palestinian state as well as the building freeze in Judea and Samaria. He read out the names of the Likud Mayors in Judea and Samaria and their cities’ populations and told them to call their Likud MK friends to convince them to vote for this bill that will end their status as residents with full taxation without equal representation.

Justice Minister Neeman expressed government opposition to the bill because it did not reach the Ministerial Committee of Legislative Affairs.

MK Katzeleh said it was not even worth responding to Neeman.

The bill was defeated 4-14.

Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill

Labor, Welfare and Health Committee Chairman Haim Katz (Likud) explained the amendment would change the regulations on provident funds (Kupot Gemel). He spent about twelve minutes explaining the incredibly long and financially complex bill.

The bill passed its second reading 13-0.

The bill passed its third reading 13-0.

 

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s May 2, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/02072712.doc

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 55: Population Registry, Orphans and Post-82 Seniors

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — Leave a comment
March 12, 2012

The Knesset’s Monday session lasted about two hours. Four bills were discussed. One bill became law after passing its third reading, two bills were advanced after passing their first readings and one bill was not voted on. There was no no-confidence motions this week due to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s trip to United States. It is an unofficial tradition not to attempt to topple the government while the Prime Minister is representing Israel overseas. Because the Wednesday session was cancelled, the Knesset’s usual three-day week was merged into a two-day week schedule.

 

Non-Bills Summary

* 15 MKs gave speeches during the one minute speech segment that opened the day.

* Homefront Security Minister Vilnai (Independence), Energy and Water Minister Landau (Y.B.), Deputy Education Minister Moses (U.T.J.), Labor and Welfare Minister Kahalon (Likud) and Immigration and Absorption Minister Landvor (Y.B.) answered urgent queries.

* Justice, Law and Constitution Committee Chairman Rotem (Y.B.) announced his committees request to split a bill into two. The Knesset approved the request 11-0.

* House Committee Chairman Levin (Likud) announced which disputed bills will be discussed in which committees.

Bills Summary

Amendment to the Population Registration Bill

Interior and Environment Committee Chairman Cohen (Shas) explained the amendment would force the population registry to change a citizen’s religion based on the Rabbinical Court decisions. He said it is unacceptable that many people are Jews according to Jewish law and the secular population registry in the Interior Ministers office refuses to list them as such. He said the population registry can temporary not comply if they have reason to believe the citizen is not Jewish, however if a Rabbinical Court examines that evidence and disagrees, they must comply with the court decision.

The bill passed its second reading 14-0.

The bill passed its third reading 14-0.

Temporary Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) explained the amendment would increase the interest earned as well as a tax benefit package for seniors who keep their pension in the government’s hands for an extended period of time, allowing them to do part-time work during that time.

MK Ben Ari (N.U.) blasted the 40% increase of water bills in the last two years. He suggested the national project of transferring from national water resources to privately run treatment plants is hurting Israelis and should be prevented and repealed.

MK Molla (Kadima) slammed the government decision to transfer seven billion shekels from the budget to different places in one committee discussion and vote. He said this isn’t a serious way to deal with the tax payers money. He asked why the Immigration and Absorption Ministry was cut by 28 million shekel. He blasted the 5.5 million shekel cut in the Ethiopian budget. He suggested Minister Landvor supported these measures and doesn’t really want to absorb the remaining Jews in Ethiopia.

Immigration and Absorption Minister Landvor (Y.B.) told Molla to drop the stigma that she is against absorbing immigrants in general and Ethiopians in particular. She said that she fought against those cuts and Molla should stop trying to be a populist to win points. She said that all of her projects were cut and not just those of Ethiopians. MK Molla heckled her speech, so she decided to step down from the podium.

MK Eichler (U.T.J.) criticized the government position that high gas taxes are meant to save the environment and promote public transportation. He then went on to slam foreign lobbyists that are promoting incitement against orthodox Jews of all types and settlers. He called for transparency on all of the hidden lobbyists that are not classified as such. He concluded by calling the Israeli Supreme Court a group of Meretz supporters that act like dictators, but unlike Russian President Putin, they don’t even need to pretend to have elections.

Deputy Speaker Vaknin (Shas) announced the vote for this bill will take place the next day.

Amendment to the Pension Payment for Reserve Soldiers and Their Families Bill 

MK Matalon (Y.B.) explained the amendment would grant a one time payment of 100,000 shekel to orphans who lost a parent during a terrorist attack or military service before 1999. He explained that the payment goes to the spouse, but in cases of no living spouse the orphans would not receive the payment. He stated this bill would fix the technical loophole and 240 orphans would now receive their payment.

MK Zeev (Shas) praised the bill and slammed the current situation.

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

Amendment to the Social Security Bill

Funds Committee Chairman Gafni (U.T.J.) explained the amendment would grant eligibility for an old age pension increase for widows and housewives over the age of 82 years. He said that the increase would end the discrimination where women over the age of 82 receive less money than women under the age of 82. He said the bill would take effect on January 1st 2013.

The bill passed its first reading 7-0 and was sent to the Funds Committee.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s March 5, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/01361112.doc

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 48: Prostitutes, Pensions, TV and Shelters

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — Leave a comment
March 1, 2012

The Knesset’s Wednesday session lasted about seven hours. 16 bills were discussed. Five bills were advanced after passing their preliminary readings, three were turned into motions, one was not voted on to avoid defeat and seven were defeated. The bills advanced prohibit a customer from purchasing prostitution services, extend the time seniors can take out their pensions tax-free, prohibit charging television owners who don’t have television channels the TV tax and a financial grant to women who leave shelters. The newest MK Shnaan was sworn in.

 

Non-Bills Summary

* Housing and Construction Minister Atias (Shas), Justice Minister Neeman and Transportation Minister Katz (Likud) answered urgent queries to open the session.

* Speaker Rivlin, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Opposition Minister Livni gave warm speeches welcoming the President of the Republic of Croatia, Ivo Josipovic, to the Knesset.

* Speaker Rivlin swore in new MK Shachiv Shnaan (Independence), who replaced Home Front Defense Minister Vilnai (Independence) in the Knesset. Vilnai will keep his ministerial position until he is appointed Ambassador to China.

* Seven motions were discussed on a wide range of subjects. Four motions were sent to committee by the votes 8-0, 9-0, 3-0 and 4-0. Two motions were not voted on. A motion on Abu Mazen’s speech and Netanyahu’s response was defeated 6-6.

* Energy and Water Minister Landau (Y.B.) answered a query and Deputy Health Minister Litzman (U.T.J.) answered three queries.

Bills Summary

 

Amendment to the Prohibition of Prostitution and the Care and Treatment of the Community Bill

MK Zuaretz (Kadima) said that Israel has been a serial offender of sex trafficking and pimping. She said this has not helped Israel’s standing internationally when their human rights position is already in question. She said many female foreign workers from the far east and illegal immigrants from Africa are among the prostitution rings. She said the blue and white prostitution rings have 12 and 13 year olds among their ranks. She said it is the costumers and demand that keep these prostitution rings open. She said that is why she wrote her amendment that would prohibit costumers from paying for sex.

Justice Minister Neeman expressed government support for the bill. He said prostitution is immoral and the government supports the bill that would allow up to a six month prison sentence for any customer to pays for a prostitute.

MK Zuaretz promised this bill will help prostitutes.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 28-0 and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee will discuss the bill further.

Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill

MK Haim Katz (Likud) explained his amendment would extend the period in which pensioners can take out their pension without paying additional fines.

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

MK Sheetrit (Kadima) objected to the bill. He said he agrees with Katz’s ideas but that he disagrees with the methodology. He called on going back to the pre 2008 methods which would save the pensioner a lot of money. He stressed there is no longer any reason to open a “Kupat Gemel” because it is no longer a sound financial stragedy.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 22-0 and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee will discuss the bill further.

Two Amendments to the New Shekel Currency Bill

MK Whbee (Kadima) explained his amendment would repeal the rounding of shekel amounts. He said that the poor people need every agura and are losing it every time they pay 1.99 or 2.99 etc. He said billions of shekels disappear a year and hurt the customers.

MK Eldad (N.U.) said his similar amendment would accomplish the same thing, allow the poor Israelis save every agura possible by prohibiting the rounding of shekel.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen expressed government opposition to both bills. He said that although citizens who pay in cash lose their agurot, those who pay with credit cards and checks don’t lose their agurot. He said allowing flexibility with the agurot helps the businesses and the government doesn’t want to change that. He charged government analysts thing both bills will lead to an increase of prices throughout the market.

MK Whbee charged the government is allowing businesses to steal money for the poor. He stressed the poor people don’t have credit cards and they can only pay in cash.

The first bill was defeated 19-33.

The second bill was defeated 19-32.

Amendment to the Absorption of Discharged Soldiers Bill

MK Whbee explained his amendment would require the government to fund veterans preparation courses for psychometric test. He said that veterans can’t afford the price of the preparation courses from the basic discharge package and need more help from the government. He said he would withdraw the bill if the stupid psychometric test are abolished, which he said isn’t a good measure of a students abilities. He said the veteran package is privately funded but managed by the government, so they can’t even pretend his bill is a strain of the state budget. He said it is the governments job to help veterans get to the state universities.

Energy and Water Minister Landau (Y.B.) expressed government opposition to the bill. He said that the government love veterans and just raised the exit package of veterans. He stated the soldiers are allowed to use that money towards courses for psychometric tests if they so choose.

MK Whbee said the government should be deciding what to do with private donors money and allowing his bill to pass.

The bill was defeated 19-32.

Amendment to the Consumer Protection Bill/Motion

MK Tirosh (Kadima) explained her amendment would change the rules and regulations for digital parking ticket services. She said they need to be upgraded to be customer friendly.

Industry and Trade Minister Simhon (Independence) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that legislation isn’t the place to fix the issues Tirosh is bringing up.

MK Tirosh responded she is willing to withdraw her bill if Simhon agrees to fix the problem without legislation. She asked if she could turn the bill into a motion, so they could discuss the matter in committee. Simhon agreed.

The motion passed 47-1 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

Amendment to the Sale of Apartments Bill

Justice Minister Neeman responded to MK Sheetrit’s bill that he proposed at an early date. He expressed opposition to the bill that would limit the cost of legal fees as a component of the price. He said a lawyer should be allowed to charge as much as they want for a service and the customer and market will decide if they want to pay that price.

MK Sheetrit reminded Minister Neeman that originally the government supported the bill. He said lawyers shouldn’t take 1.5% to 2% of the price of a house and called it a scandal. He slammed the Tourist Minister and MK Rotem (Y.B.) for convincing the government to overturn its original decision. He thanked Minister Peled (Likud) and Interior Minister Yishai (Shas) for appealing Rotem’s opposition. He slammed the coalition for opposing the bill because of one person’s objection.

The bill was defeated 21-27.

Amendment to the Securities Bill

Finance Minister Steinitz (Likud) responded to MK Sheetrit’s bill that he proposed at an early date. He expressed government opposition to the bill that would prohibit issuance of shares for debt. He said the bill would harm the economy by putting additional strain on the big businesses. He stated it is in the publics interest to forgive big businesses debt to the country because the companies usually rebound. He said the country should help these companies. He said new management shouldn’t be penalized for previous management’s failed decisions. He told Sheetrit not to be correct, but to be smart. He said this bill would create an atmosphere that would harm the economic system as we know it.

MK Sheetrit reminded that two weeks ago Prime Minister Netanyahu supported his bill. He charged that Steinitz didn’t read his bill because the scenarios he listed wouldn’t happen under his bill. He charged that the coalition members are afraid to pass this bill because they are planning on getting jobs in those big companies one day.

The bill was defeated 19-34.

Struggle against Poverty Day Bill/Motion

MK Ben Simon (Labor) explained his original bill would force the government to celebrate a day marking the struggle against poverty, as well as force the government to act on behalf of that day each year. He noted 485,000 families live under the poverty line in Israel and the government must do something about it.

Energy and Water Minister Landau asked Ben Simon to turn the bill into a motion in order to avoid its defeat. Ben Simon agreed.

The motion passed 21-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

 

Amendment to the Planning and Building Bill

MK Katzeleh (N.U.) explained his amendment would place conditions for demolitions and prohibit them from 6 PM until 8 AM. He stated that his bill would apply to Arabs, Bedouins, Jews and settlers. He thanked MK Khenin (Hadash) for co-sponsoring the bill with him and said this proved both sides of the political spectrum supported the idea. He asked where the animal activists are and said it is too bad they care more about cows and chickens. He read off a government decision to prohibit milking a cow on the television show Big Brother because it might harm the cows daily routine. He slammed the government for deciding the cow’s routine is more important than the children who are thrown out of their beds in the middle of the night with no warning. He slammed Minister Eitan (Likud) for suggesting the bill won’t apply in Judea and Samaria. He said demolition can take place during the day and it isn’t proper for the government to give kids psychiatric scaring. He asked the leftist where they are and why they won’t at least save the Arabs homes.

Minister Nahari (Shas) expressed government opposition to the bill and said it wouldn’t apply to Judea and Samaria. He said there is no difference between demolishing a house in the day or the middle of the night.

MK Katzeleh said Prime Minister Netanyahu must feel that he will be Prime Minister for the next 18 years, because opposing such a bill will hurt him politically on the left and on the right. He slammed Kadima for leaving the room because they can’t vote for a National Union bill but can’t vote against this bill.

The bill was defeated 9-21.

Amendment to the Planning and Building Bill

MK Zoabi (Balad) said it is illegal to demolish any house and there is no such thing as an illegal house. She spent ten minutes slamming the government for their policy of destroying houses. She explained her amendment would only allow a demolition if a social worker report allows it.

Minister Nahari expressed government opposition to the bill. He slammed parents for keeping their children at home when the government comes to throw them out. He said the parents are guilty for all scars their children receive.

The bill was defeated 6-25.

Amendment to the Housing Loans Bill/Motion

MK Naffaa (Balad) explained his amendment would allow someone who is eligible to one loan to take an additional loan at the same rate. He added the loan repayment participation would be at a lower interest rate and couldn’t exceed 3%. He noted that his bill was very similar to Deputy Speaker Vaknin’s (Shas) bill that is buried in committee.

Housing and Construction Minister Atias (Shas) charged Naffaa’s bill doesn’t accomplish what the purpose of his bill wishes and therefore the government is against it. He said that his ministry chose 28 towns and whoever wishes to build in those towns will receive a grant between 100,000 to 120,000 NIS. He suggested turning the bill into a motion and Naffaa agreed.

The motion passed 23-0 and was sent to the Finance Committee.

Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance Bill

MK Hermesh (Kadima) slammed the government for allowing a select few profit for Israel’s economic growth at the expense of the majority. He explained his amendment would prohibit public companies from paying salaries of over 250,000 NIS a month from taxpayers money. He said anyone who makes over three million shekels a year shouldn’t receive that money from the tax payers. He agreed to postpone the vote on his bill in order to enlist government support.

Amendment to the Broadcasting Authority Bill

MK Hermesh explained his amendment would grant an exemption on television tax fees for TVs that do not get their TV signals. He said some people buy televisions to use them for purposes other then watching broadcast TV. He said that because television can only pick up broadcasts with a digital recorder, those who don’t own a digital shouldn’t have to pay TV tax.

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

Two Amendments to the Women Living in Battered Women Shelters Benefits Bill

MK Gal-On (Meretz) explained her amendment would present a financial grant for the first thirty days after a woman leaves a shelter to assist her in the adjustment period. She said this bill will help these women pay for basic things and prevent them from going back to their horrific husbands. She said the grant is 8,000 shekel and 1,000 shekel for each additional child, although from the fourth child there is no additional payment. She said the cost of the bill is less than four million shekel since there are only 800 women in 13 shelters. She noted 748 of those women have a child or more.

MK Khenin (Hadash) explained his similar amendment would accomplish the same thing. He said the shelters are important, but the day after is just as important.

Energy and Water Minister Landau (Y.B.) expressed government support to both bills. He said the government will agree to pay up to three million shekel for the program.

The first bill passed its preliminary reading 7-0 and was sent to the Women’s Rights Committee.

The second bill passed its preliminary reading 8-0 and was sent to the Women’s Rights Committee.

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s February 15, 2012, session.

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/01024112.doc

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Knesset Winter Session 2011/2012 Day 42: Motorcycles, Prostitution, Disabled Workers and Tapping Computers

Filed under: Daily Updates, Knesset — Leave a comment
February 19, 2012

The Knesset’s Wednesday session lasted about seven and a half hours. 14 bills were discussed. Five bills advanced after passing their preliminary readings, four were turned into motions, three were not voted on in order to avoid defeat, and two were defeated. The bills advanced deal with motorcycle insurance, prevention of minors in prostitution, encouraging disabled people to enter the work force and prohibiting the tapping of computers.

Non-Bills Summary

* Interior Minister Yishai (Shas), Education Minister Sa’ar (Likud) and Deputy Finance Minister Cohen (Shas) answered urgent queries at the beginning of the session.

* A special ceremony commemorating the former Czech president Vaclav Havel was held with speeches from Speaker Rivlin, Prime Minister Netanyahu and MK Avital (Kadima).

* Six motions were discussed on a wide variety of topics. Five of them were sent to committee to be discussed further by the votes 9-0, 10-0, 4-0, 5-0 and 4-0. One motion was defeated 0-6 after the MKs decided they had spoken enough about the topic.

 

Bills Summary

Motion/Amendment to the Government Bill

MK Eichler (U.T.J.) explained his amendment would require ministers to report why regulations were not enacted by the date they were required to begin. He said if a minister chooses not to follow the law, he should give a reason for it. Speaker Rivlin said this was one of the best bills he has seen this term and attacked the government for opposing it. Eichler slammed the press for not attacking ministers who choose not to follow the law. He went on to slam capitalism and praise socialism. He told the liberals they should respect ultra-orthodoxy’s method of higher education if they respect the Arabs’ methods. He went on to praise Jewish life, its connection to Hebron and Education Minister Sa’ar for bringing Israeli schoolchildren to visit there. He agreed to turn the bill into a motion.

The motion passed 14-0 and was sent to the House Committee.

Amendment to the Motor Vehicle Insurance Ordinance Bill

MK Shama (Likud) explained his amendment would change the insurance components for motorcycles and truck drivers in order to lower the rates back to the 2001 levels. He said the current high rates have discouraged people from owning motorcycles and trucks and his bill will lower them considerably. He blamed lobbyists for giving motorcycle drivers a bad name and manipulating statistics. He said the government doesn’t have a position on the bill.

MK Zeev (Shas) slammed the insurance companies for over charging and the government for thinking that solving that problem will lower the number of traffic accidents. He suggested the government take a percentage of the profits and invest it in better roads. He suggested this bill might be the problem and not the solution.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 18-0 with MK Zeev abstaining and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee should discuss the bill.

Amendment to the Penal Code Bill

MK Orlev (J.H.) explained the punishment for maintaining a place for the prostitution of a minor will be raised from the minimum sentence of two years to seven years.

Justice Minister Neeman expressed government support for the bill.

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

Two Amendments to the Mandatory Tenders Bill

MK Avraham Balila (Kadima) explained her amendment would encourage companies to hire workers with disabilities. She said in 2004 there were 165,000 disabled people on welfare and three quarters of them have previous work experience.

MK Orlev explained his similar amendment attempts to accomplish the same goal – to have more disabled people in the workforce. He said it is social justice to support the bills.

Deputy Finance Minister Cohen expressed government support for both bills.

The first bill passed its preliminary reading 23-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

The second bill passed its preliminary reading 20-0 and was sent to the Welfare Committee.

Amendment to the Computer Bill

MK Avraham Balila explained her amendment would close a loophole that allows the tapping of phones through computers or other technical devices that are not currently included under law. She stated this bill would protect privacy laws and combat piracy and viruses.

Justice Minister Neeman expressed government support for the bill and said this bill will allow Israel to join the 2001 Budapest International Convention on Cybercrime.

The bill passed its preliminary reading 23-0 and was sent to the House Committee to determine which committee will discuss the bill further.

Motion/Amendment to the Planning and Building Bill

MK Barakeh (Hadash) explained his amendment would prohibit the demolition of Bedouins’ homes in the Negev. He went on to give a fiery ten minute speech blasting the government for demolishing Bedouins’ homes.

Interior Minister Yishai (Shas) said that this has been an issue since he was MK Zeev’s assistant in the Jerusalem municipality during the 1980’s and he has always been against demolishing homes for no reason.

Minister Begin (Likud) said that compromise is the best solution and called for turning the bill into a motion to discuss the matter further in committee.

MK El-Sana (R.T.) said that when it comes to people’s houses the only compromise that is acceptable is not demolishing their house.

Minister Begin suggested it is the Bedouins who don’t want to compromise or make sacrifices and that will cause them to lose their houses. He called on Bedouin tribes to stop fighting each other and asking the government to act as the referee.

The motion passed 31-1 and was sent to the Interior Committee.

Amendment to the Planning and Building Bill

MK Sheetrit (Kadima) explained his amendment would require the posting of planning and building committee decisions and pending decisions on the internet instead of in newspaper advertisements. He said that this will make it an easier process, will help serve the public and will help the government save millions every year.

Religious Affairs Minister Margi (Shas) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that not everyone has internet and instead the government will go with a bill that includes the internet and the newspapers. He added that religious people don’t use the internet frequently and many newspapers might close if they don’t have money coming in from required newspaper ads.

MK Sheetrit said that he is willing to remove his clause on closing the newspapers but asked why the government can’t support the website aspect of the bill. He agreed to postpone the vote on the bill in order to give the government more time to come around.

Amendment to the Social Security Bill

MK Sheetrit explained his amendment would grant military and national service veterans an exemption from payment of health insurance premiums and social security payments for four years after their service ends. He said the bill will cost NIS 80 million annually. He agreed to postpone the vote on the bill in order to enlist government support.

Motion/Amendment to the Security Service Bill

MK Bibi (Kadima) explained his amendment would require a criminal record check before moving a soldier from the army to the Border Police. He said it is not proper to move a soldier to the Border Police and three months later send him back to the army because they forgot to do a simple security check.  He agreed to turn the bill into a motion in order to have a committee discussion on the matter.

The motion passed 26-0 and was sent to the Interior Committee.

Amendment to the Preventing Domestic Violence Bill

MK Solodkin (Kadima) explained her amendment would automatically place in jail anyone who violates a protection or restraining order. She noted 20% of women killed in domestic abuse cases had a standing court order against the person who killed them that was violated more than once. She called the government’s decision to oppose the bill an embarrassment.

Industry and Trade Minister Simhon (Independence) expressed government opposition to the bill on the grounds that it takes discretion out of the hands of policemen on the scene of a court order violation.

The bill was defeated 14-28.

Amendment to the Social Security Bill

Labor and Welfare Minister Kahlon (Likud) responded to MK Solodkin’s bill that was previously presented on changing the qualifying period for maternity social security benefits for students. He said that he had previously asked Solodkin to postpone the vote on her bill but he failed to convince the government to support her bill. He asked the coalition defeat the bill.

MK Solodkin told the coalition to vote for her bill and expressed sorrow that Kahlon wasn’t able to attain government support.

The bill was defeated 15-28.

Motion/Amendment to the Mandatory Tenders Bill

MK Cabel (Labor) told those who didn’t want to hear his bill to have Shira’s espresso in the cafeteria. He explained his amendment would prohibit companies from having the highest salary be more than 40 times the lowest salary. He said that his bill would mean the CEO would be limited to NIS 160,000 a month if he hired people who make minimum wage. He asked how social justice can be achieved if they oppose such an elementary bill. He said most of the companies that have failed are because of problematic management and not problematic workers.  He agreed to turn the bill into a motion in order to discuss the bill further in committee.

The motion passed 19-0 and was sent to the Funds Committee.

Amendment to the National Health Insurance Bill

MK Eldad (N.U.) explained his amendment would change the terms for replacing medication, medical treatment, medical care, a medical service provider or medical facilities in order to make them easier. He said that by allowing the transfer of medical items more easily the public will receive a better product. He agreed to postpone the vote on the bill to try and help convince the government to support the bill at a later date.

 

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This was the Knesset Jeremy English translation protocol of the Knesset’s February 1, 2012, session.

 

Official protocol in Hebrew: http://www.knesset.gov.il/plenum/data/00738212.doc

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