Israel acts to cut back 'meddling' funding
November 14, 2011, Monday
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SENIOR Israeli Cabinet ministers took a significant step yesterday toward curbing foreign funding for political not-for-profit organizations, a measure that opponents see as trying to muzzle dovish groups critical of the government.
The Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved a bill that would limit donations by foreign governments or international bodies such as the United Nations or European Union to 20,000 shekels (US$5,200) annually. The bill requires a parliamentary vote.
The funding comes from countries considered friendly to Israel, not enemy nations, and goes to groups such as Peace Now. But critics of the funding see it as meddling in Israel's internal affairs.
Lawmaker Danny Danon said: "Cutting off the funding of the organizations is a first step in removing the marginal affliction of the extreme left wing from Israeli society."
The largest organization affected, the New Israel Fund, said it will continue to battle the legislation as it makes its way through parliament. The fund raises money for peace causes.
The group said: "If this legislation passes, Israel will become the only Western democracy to outlaw outside funding for organizations it designates as 'political.' We call on all Israelis and lovers of Israel worldwide to reject this latest assault on the values and freedoms maintained by every real democracy."
Israeli media reported that the EU has been pressing Israel to scrap the new law.
The bill was drafted after Israel-based groups funded by foreign sources gave critical testimony about Israeli military conduct during the 2009 war in the Gaza Strip to a UN-appointed commission.
The Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved a bill that would limit donations by foreign governments or international bodies such as the United Nations or European Union to 20,000 shekels (US$5,200) annually. The bill requires a parliamentary vote.
The funding comes from countries considered friendly to Israel, not enemy nations, and goes to groups such as Peace Now. But critics of the funding see it as meddling in Israel's internal affairs.
Lawmaker Danny Danon said: "Cutting off the funding of the organizations is a first step in removing the marginal affliction of the extreme left wing from Israeli society."
The largest organization affected, the New Israel Fund, said it will continue to battle the legislation as it makes its way through parliament. The fund raises money for peace causes.
The group said: "If this legislation passes, Israel will become the only Western democracy to outlaw outside funding for organizations it designates as 'political.' We call on all Israelis and lovers of Israel worldwide to reject this latest assault on the values and freedoms maintained by every real democracy."
Israeli media reported that the EU has been pressing Israel to scrap the new law.
The bill was drafted after Israel-based groups funded by foreign sources gave critical testimony about Israeli military conduct during the 2009 war in the Gaza Strip to a UN-appointed commission.
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