T, Belman. When the US or the EU presume to tell us what we can and cannot do as if they were the exemplars of doing the right thing, I want to explode. Its none of their f..king business. They are interfering in our internal business. Though I think the principle of our proposed legislation is the same as FARA, i.e., to require Foreign Lobbyists to register, I don’t care whether it is or not. Its our decision.
Shapiro urges justice minister to ‘protect free expression and peaceful dissent’; embassy rejects comparison to American law
US Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro met with Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked Monday and highlighted Washington’s concern over a bill she is shepherding through the Knesset that would require non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to declare funding from foreign countries.
The meeting was announced in a statement from the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, while a second statement noted “the chilling effect on NGO activities” that the proposed legislation would have.
Almost all of the groups that will be affected by the bill identify with the political left, as those NGOs receive funding from foreign governments, whereas those on the political right are mainly funded by private donors, who would not be subject to scrutiny by the bill.
Ambassador Shapiro “sought more information” about the draft legislation from the justice minister, and “noted the US government’s concerns on the matter,” according to the embassy. He reiterated that “a free and functioning civil society is an essential element of a healthy democracy, and that governments must protect free expression and peaceful dissent and create an atmosphere where all voices can be heard.”
On Thursday, State Department spokesman John Kirby confirmed that the United States had expressed concerns to the Netanyahu government about the measure, rejecting Shaked’s move to liken her bill to the US Foreign Agents Registration Act, which deals with registering foreign interest lobbyists. On Monday, the US Embassy sought to explain how the two pieces of legislation differ.
“As a general matter, US law imposes no limits, restrictions, or transparency requirements on the receipt of foreign funding by NGOs operating in the United States, other than those generally applicable to all Americans,” the statement said.
“In contrast, the draft Israeli law would target NGOs simply because they are funded principally by foreign government entities. That is not how the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) works. FARA requires individuals or organizations to register as foreign agents only if they engage in certain specified activities at the order, request, or under the direction or control, of a foreign principal – not simply by receiving contributions from such an entity,” the statement added. “As a result, it does not create the chilling effect on NGO activities that we are concerned about in reviewing the draft Israeli NGO law.”
The bill has riled politicians and political activists in Israel and abroad.
“The cabinet decision to approve the twisted NGO bill is a bullet between the eyes for Israel’s standing in the world,” Israeli opposition leader Isaac Herzog (Zionist Union) said last month. “Our enemies are giving a big thank you to the Israeli government, which has put us on the same level with the darkest countries in the world.”
American and Israeli left-wing groups have reportedly been planning an “ad hoc coalition” to attempt to block the bill from becoming law.
@ woolymammoth:Indeed I agree with Ted and you regarding the ambassador’s attempt to undermine our decision making process and objectives.
As to the implementation of the Law if and when actually presented to and approved by parliament… On that I would not bet.
@ SHmuel HaLevi 2: Perhaps I am wrong, but I do not think Netanyahu intends to sink this law. These ngo’s are undermining Netanyahu and the gov’t so why would he do such a thing, I ask you SHmuel.
I agree wholeheartedly with Ted. Whether Israel passes such a law or not, The United States should respect Israel and not interfere. I think it is clear why they wish to interfere. The ngo’s operating in Israel are the most effective, convenient
and economical means to undermine The State of Israel from within.
I do not care what Hurtshog thinks, I hope it passes AND after it passes, the information obtained should be used to re-evaluate how Israel protects it’s interests.
The Law is excellent, in fact mild compared to what is required to chop down the criminal activities and plans of the EU. I am afraid that netanyahu will obey his controllers and sink this law as well.
those who never thought such a thing could happen never banked on BB who allies with anyone who will rubber stamp his agenda in exchange for giving them their perks and privileges. Astounding, that there is no shame.
I suspect that both the Duma event and the kidnapping of the teens that sparked the last war was arranged by a foreign intelligence service. the CIA is well known for its global destabilization operations to bring down govs from within. I remember a similar baby burning event thought to be the work of the CIA in Jamaica in the 1970’s when they appeared to be moving to socialism. Every time Kerry threatens Israel his threats come to pass as if by coincidence.
Ambassador Shapiro is just another JINO (Jew in Name Only) from Obama’s gang of kapos. The hell with him and the Obama administration. All they know is how to screw things up.
As a practicing lawyer, I think the law is excellent!!! Its generic in scope, and it addresses outsider influence. Individual donors simply don’t have the same clout as governmental donors. I don’t see how the US government should even be allowed to comment on the internal laws of another state. Decisions and judgements about this law are being made based on bias, not objectivity.
The USA has long tried to use its influence in state governments, such as preventing Italy from going communist. I don’t think that’s the issue in Israel; its a problem of outsiders undermining Israel sovereignty and contradicting US foreign policy.
perhaps the ambassador should be more concerned about obama illegally flooding the US with muslims, his constitutional violations…. instead of meddling in the internal affairs of its allies. But then again, it is the GOI who allows the meddling, in the same way it allows the euro govs to violate Israeli law and build illegally homes for muslims in zion.