A controversial Israeli bill that would compel the human rights group to declare the funds they received from foreign governments won the initial approval in parliament. The proposed law passed its first reading in the parliament of Israel by 50 votes to 43.
Critics of the legislation said that the proposal is likely to promote a 'witch-hunt' against leftist groups that protects Palestinian rights. Yahoo News reported that it only needs two more readings before the bill becomes a law.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the draft but has now amplified the tension between the European Union, the US, and Israel itself. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked insisted that the legislation does not target any specific NGO. She argues that it will improve transparency as the government of Israel seeks to fight interferences from foreign nations and attempts to delegitimize the nation.
Isaac Herzog released a statement saying the bill would inflict damage on Israel's relationship with its friends abroad as reported by The Guardian. Meanwhile, Dan Shapiro, US ambassador to Israel said that "governments must protect free expression and peaceful dissent and create an atmosphere where all voices can be heard."
Officials who are against the bill say that many of the donations which are funded by EU countries will be affected. However, the bill will not distress right-wing NGOs, which are supported by private donations from Israel's rich supporters. Many of those who are against the bill said that it is a 'political persecution' and an erosion of Israel's democracy. Reuters reported that the United States and the European Union have expressed publicly and privately their concerns about the proposed legislation.
Association for Civil Rights said before the parliamentary vote that the NGO bill is a 'discriminatory law'. Meanwhile. Prime Minister Netanyahu defends the bill as democratic and necessary to prevent foreign countries from supporting Palestinian statehood.
