Knesset's House Committee (archives)
Photo: Gil Yohanan
MKs hold stormy debate over leftist probe
Knesset's House Committee discusses Yisrael Beiteinu proposal to form parliamentary commission of inquiry to investigate leftist organizations' funding resources. 'Why don't we also bring Kahane back from the dead?' says MK Tibi
Controversial proposal hits Knesset's House Committee: The committee on Tuesday discussed a proposal to form a commission to investigate the funding sources of leftist organizations.
Kadima and Labor factions, as well as Arab members of Knesset announced last week that they would boycott the discussion.
Opposition Boycott
Attila Somfalvi
Kadima, Labor faction, Arab MKs announce they will not attend discussion on establishment of parliamentary inquiry committee to investigate left-wing groups' funding sources
The Knesset's House Committee has the permanent mandate to determine the criteria for the establishment of the commission.
Once the committee's work is complete, the Knesset plenum will need to give its final approval to the commission members and its mandate, as well as discuss any objections.
During the discussion, an argument developed between Committee Chairman Knesset Member Yariv Levin (Likud) and MK Shlomo Molla (Kadima).
"Although I have the authority, I will not use it and will not force any faction that does not want to be represented to do so," said Levin in response to Kadima party members' decision to shun the meeting.
Molla harshly criticized Levin and other government members, saying "democracy is not a commission of inquiry. We will not send collaborators. This fear you have of (Foreign Minister Avigdor) Lieberman makes you drag along like spineless people."
'Civil society should be given utmost freedom'
The Knesset's legal advisor, Attorney Eyal Yinon, commented on the proposed commission, saying "despite its impressive name, in reality it lacks any authority that characterizes a national commission of inquiry, and as such is limited to holding public discussions only."Nevertheless, Yinon expressed concern over the commission's intention to probe funding sources of organizations from the Left. "For the first time in the history of the Knesset, the committee is dealing with clear ideological issues – asking to probe one side of the political map that is affiliated with the opposition.
"Civil society elements should be allowed to act with utmost freedom and minimum intervention by state authorities," he said.
Yinon explained that "the very establishment of parliamentary commission of inquiry, which by definition limits civil bodies, creates a public atmosphere that threatens the freedom of conscience and protest, which is problematic in a democratic regime."
The leading candidate to head the commission is MK Danny Danon (Likud). Prospective commission members include MKs Tzipi Hotovely (Likud), Anastassia Michaeli (Yisrael Beiteinu), Avraham Michaeli (Shas), as well as Arieh Eldad and Michael Ben Ari (National Union)
"The idea that Mr. Ben Ari will be part of the commission is aimed at the Likud faction," said Hadash MK Dov Khenin, adding "Mr. Ben Ari determines the Likud's agenda. I think (former Prime Minister) Menachem Begin is rolling in his grave."
"Why don't we also bring (Rabbi Meir) Kahane back from the dead?" slammed MK Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al), to which MK Danon replied, "What bothers you is that the tap is about to be closed."
'Organizations using freedom to de-legitimize IDF'
MK Faina Kirshenbaum (Yisrael Beiteinu) described the activity of the commission; "We will summon officials from the Tax Authority and the academia to check if there is a problem with the funding sources.
"I am referring to organizations that harm the legitimacy of the IDF – those who file indictments in foreign countries and send videos abroad with the funding of foreign countries," she said.
Kirshenbaum stated that the commission's conclusions may be anchored in legislation at a later stage. "If there are organizations that internally criticize the State of Israel and are funded by foreigners, it is a problem. I want to submit the report to the Knesset and the government, and it may include bills."
According to the Yisraeli Beiteinu proposal, a coalition of international and Israeli organizations have been operating during the last decade, while using their freedom to de-legitimize IDF activity, encourage drat dodging and brand IDF soldiers and commanders as war criminals.
The proposal stated that the commission of inquiry will probe Israeli groups that take part in the public campaign against IDF soldiers, as well as investigate these organizations' funding sources.
Last month, Kadima faction decided to impose party discipline and oppose the initiative.
Kadima Chairwoman MK Tzipi Livni said "an evil spirit has been sweeping across the country, and it is our duty is to stand up against this wave.
"Kadima cannot be a passive participant in this process; our public duty is not to be part of such a thing, and stand against it – both at the Knesset and in public statements," she added.
Kadima members displayed no party unity during the Knesset vote on the establishment of the commission of inquiry.
Three Kadima members – MKs Otniel Schneller, Robert Tibayev and Yulia Shamalov-Berkovich voted in favor of Lieberman's proposal, while five others – MKs Nachman Shai, Ze'ev Boim, Gideon Ezra , Meir Sheetrit and Shlomo Molla – opposed it. The other faction members were absent from the vote, including MK Livni.
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook
