Knesset approves panels to probe left-wing NGOs

The Knesset House Committee approved the establishment of parliamentary panels to probe the funding and activities of left-leaning human rights groups and NGOs. The vote to establish two commissions of inquiries passed the committee Wednesday by a vote of 10 to 6.

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Jewish Journal

February 2, 2011

The Knesset House Committee approved the establishment of parliamentary panels to probe the funding and activities of left-leaning human rights groups and NGOs.

The vote to establish two commissions of inquiries passed the committee Wednesday by a vote of 10 to 6.

One committee will investigate the involvement of foreign governments in the funding of Israeli left-wing organizations. The other will look into Israeli organizations attempting to delegitimize the Israel Defense Forces.

The opposition Kadima Party voted against the panels and has refused to allow its ministers to serve on them.

Eyal Yinon, the Knesset’s legal adviser, wrote on Tuesday that establishing the panels “is a precedent that raises basic questions that stand at the heart of democratic rule.”