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How Israeli right will be able to hide behind proposed 'transparency law'

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked's proposed "transparency law" burdens NGOs receiving foreign government assistance, but allows politicians and parties unfettered money from foreign organizations and individuals, including evangelical groups and alleged criminals.
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At the end of 2011, under strong pressure from the European Union, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blocked legislation designed to limit funding to human rights organizations in Israel. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of HaBayit HaYehudi, who has for years been spearheading a campaign against these organizations, recently found solace in the so-called transparency bill.

Under her legislative proposal, representatives of a nonprofit organization (NGO) funded mostly by “foreign state entities” would be required to wear an identification tag displaying their name and that of their organization when visiting the Knesset. When writing to a public official, the representatives would be required to note that their group receives foreign funding and detail its sources. Representatives caught in Knesset hallways without a tag would be fined 29,000 shekels (about $7,400). “The transparency law will guard against blatant interference by foreign states in Israeli public life,” the minister wrote on her website. She also stated, “The public and its representatives have a right to know who is stirring the pot [meddling in their business].”

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