Israel works for peace, takes steps to "fit in neighborhood"

[Faqa]

by deciding that this whole "democracy" thing is for shits and giggles, and to be discarded when the government deems it convenient. Hey, it's how our neighbors roll, why not?

Knesset votes in favor of 'boycott bill'
Controversial bill which calls for imposing sanctions against anyone declaring embargo on Israel garners 47 ayes, 38 nays. Kadima: Bibi crossed red line of stupidity, national irresponsibility
Moran Azulay
Latest Update: 07.11.11, 23:39 / Israel News

The Knesset voted Monday in favor of the controversial "boycott bill," which proposes imposing sanctions against anyone declaring a commercial embargo on Israel. The vote was carried 47 to 38.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak were conspicuously absent from the vote, while Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin abstained. The Kadima faction voted against the bill, and members of the Independence faction abstained and were not present for the bill's second and third readings.

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The bill, which was backed by the cabinet, states that any boycott against Israel or any group located within its territory, including the West Bank, will be labeled a civil offense and its initiators will be subject to litigation. The legislation has been the focus of harsh criticism.

Kadima blasted Netanyahu for his absence from the vote: "Netanyahu's government harms Israel and should be the first to pay the price... Netanyahu's scuttle from tonight's vote does not diminish the harm he has done. He has crossed a red line of stupidity and national irresponsibility.

"Netanyahu knows the gravity the law's impact will have, but is demonstrating political flaccidity and total capitulation to the extreme right which is taking over the Likud. The boycott bill is a mark of disgrace for Netanyahu's government and the State of Israel and its citizens will pay for it dearly."


The plenum (Photo: Atta Awisat)

MK Eitan Cabel (Labor) called the bill "a cowardly law," and "another law in a series of fascist laws drafted by the government."

Several human rights groups, including Adalah – the Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, The Public Committee against Torture in Israel and Physicians for Human Rights, immediately announced that they would file a High Court appeal against the new law, and asked that it be annulled.

The groups plan to argue the law is anti-constitutional, that it impedes political freedom of expression, and violates international law and the laws of torts.

Dr. Yishai Menuchin of the Public Committee Against Torture said: "The road to anti-democratic hell is sometimes paved with good intentions – but not this time. The Knesset is full of legislators who took it upon themselves to infringe on Israel's democracy time and time again.

"The boycott law is just another step by the legislator to eradicate democracy in Israel. Warnings by human rights groups and many others in Israeli society had failed this time. The Knesset has led Israeli society another step closer to hell."

Adalah Director Hassan Jabarin echoed the sentiment, saying that "Once more we are seeing how the Knesset is trying to promote legislation which does not coincide with international law… The (bill) fails to meet any criteria and we believe the High Court won't accept it."

'Bill anti-democratic'
Ahead of the vote, the Knesset plenum convened for a filibuster, which saw heated arguments from both Left and Right.

The opposition vowed to fight the bill, which it labeled "anti-democratic"; several prominent legalists said that it was "grayish" at best, and unlikely to withstand High Court scrutiny.

Knesset Member Ilan Gilon (Meretz) was the first to speak before the Knesset plenum; he said the recent "anti-democratic" laws, in his words, legislated by the Knesset "black dysentery" that de-legitimizes the State of Israel.

"I know of nothing that causes more de-legitimization for Israel abroad than these acts of legislation," he said, adding that they leave Israel in a position of "a nation on its own shall dwell."

The Kadima faction said it would oppose the bill, with MK Shai Hermesh (Kadima) saying that the bill was a "muzzling bill, a bill that harms the basic rights."

MK Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al) took things to a personal level, wondering from the podium if Likud faction Chairman MK Zeev Elkin's "past as a shunned schoolboy who got beaten up" prompted him to initiate the bill.

Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz (Likud) said that "the majority of those who oppose the bill, do it in the name of freedom of expression. That begs the question – does freedom of expression in a democratic state includes the right to call for financial boycotts.

"It's a principle of democracy that you don't shun a public you disagree with by harming their livelihood. A boycott on a certain sector is not the proper manifestation of freedom of expression. It is an aggressive move meant to force a sector that thinks a different way to capitulate. Boycotts are aggressive and wrong," he said.

Netanyahu initially wanted to defer the vote, to avoid presenting Israel in a negative light as the Quartet gears to meet for a crucial discussion over the intention of the Palestinian Authority to seek UN recognition for a Palestinian state.

The Palestinians also denounced the bill, saying that if it passes, "the content of an impending Quartet announcement regarding the possible renewal of negotiations will become irrelevant."

TL:DR version - the Israeli government has pass a law stating that anyone calling for a boycott on Israel or Israeli territories is to be revoked of various government economic privileges. As well as being liable for civil damages in court. And a charming little tidbit that did not make the article - a court can rule against violators for up to 30,000 NIS WITHOUT proof of harm.

This law is mainly targeted, as you might guess, at left wing efforts to boycott the territories. Because, as we all know, protecting democracy involves trampling the democratic rights of those you disagree with.


FUCK! Fuck the right wing, fuck Netanyahu, fuck every gutless piece of shit who stood up and voted for this law. As a matter of fact, FUCK most of the MKs who couldn't be bothered to vote against. Oh, well, it's only the left wing, in a country where "leftist" has become an insult.

[bobalot]

But...but...but... Israel is the only democracy in the middle east (If you ignore Turkey)! This is just only silly act by a minor right-wing group...oh wait.

[DrMckay]

How long until something like this law is attempted in the good ol' USA (constitution or no)?

When did Leftist and Liberal become dirty words when "Conservative" is the next thing to holiness?

Am I the only one who thinks that it would be great if a nice, progressive country offered incentives for the youth of Israel and America who identify as "Leftist" or "Progressive" to move there? (to get educated young workers)

I know I'd think about moving if someone offered me job placement and healthcare...

[Eulogy]

On the bright side, this does alienate the US some. It's proof that the Promised Land is against the values of Uncle Sam and apple pie.

[Gandalf]

When did Leftist and Liberal become dirty words when "Conservative" is the next thing to holiness?

The 70's saw a general downturn in American attitudes. Many blamed this on perceived excesses of the 1960s.

In 1980 with the Reagan revolution, conservatives blamed the problems of the 1970's on liberalism. Liberals lost Vietnam, liberals were ruining families, and liberals were harming the economy. People lapped it up because a simple enemy was given for a complex problem.

Instant demonisation, just add PR.

[Pelranius]

And a charming little tidbit that did not make the article - a court can rule against violators for up to 30,000 NIS WITHOUT proof of harm.

What, what!? What happened to due process and rule of law in Israel?

[Korvan]

And a charming little tidbit that did not make the article - a court can rule against violators for up to 30,000 NIS WITHOUT proof of harm.

What, what!? What happened to due process and rule of law in Israel?

I'm pretty sure you still have to be found guilty of instigating a boycott. This just says you can be fined regardless if your boycott caused any economic harm to the target of the boycott or not.

[Thanas]

So what? As soon as somebody calls for a boycott, he is guilty of that, ergo fines.

This destroys free speech.

[madd0ct0r]

Does Hamas count as a group inside Israel?

[Rabid]

Is it the act of boycotting Israeli products that is now illegal, or the act of calling for a boycott ? In both case, the implications are quite bad.

... Israel, this is becoming ridiculous, you know ?

Am I the only one who thinks that it would be great if a nice, progressive country offered incentives for the youth of Israel and America who identify as "Leftist" or "Progressive" to move there? (to get educated young workers)

I know I'd think about moving if someone offered me job placement and healthcare...

Bienvenue en France. Come in one of our almost-free university for a year or two, the time to learn French and find a job. Since you come from America you shouldn't have too much difficulties to integrate. You better be qualified, though, or the only jobs you'll get will be low-tier, 'immigrant' ones.

[The Grim Squeaker]

When did Leftist and Liberal become dirty words when "Conservative" is the next thing to holiness?

The 70's saw a general downturn in American attitudes. Many blamed this on perceived excesses of the 1960s.

In 1980 with the Reagan revolution, conservatives blamed the problems of the 1970's on liberalism. Liberals lost Vietnam, liberals were ruining families, and liberals were harming the economy. People lapped it up because a simple enemy was given for a complex problem.

Instant demonisation, just add PR.

Bah. When the country was founded by Russian socialists (Who thought the communists weren't going far enough towards socialism, [as opposed to the kibbutz system]), rightist was a curse, and the entire political spectrum was based on a supermajority leftwing party. Then around the 70's an actual right wing formed (Jabotinzsky?).
The Left has had it's teeth kicked in very badly since the end of the 90's, due mainly (in my humble opinion), to the second Intifada and specifically the continued political results of the withdrawal from the Gaza strip. (I remember being in school at the time, and chuckling at the right wing claims that withdrawal from Gaza and removing the settlements there would result in "Hamastan", and military (not just suicide bombers) attacks on Israel, and constant rocket attacks from there, that would make the situation worse.
That exact thing happening made what might have been a quagmire (due to the death and/or corruption of the last 3 Prime Ministers/heads of state who actually wanted a sustainable geopolitical outcome [Rabin - assasinated, Arik Sharon - Stroke, Ehud Olmert - corruption charges & unpopular]) become an overall slide rightwards of the overall political spectrum.
Demographics make it worse, the largest single party is left wing ("Kadima"), but the right wing Likud is strongly dominant despite most of it's members leaving along with Sharon for Kadima, due to the fact that there's a broad spectrum of right wing religious parties (and russian right winger nationalists) supporting it).

[bobalot]

Is it the act of boycotting Israeli products that is now illegal, or the act of calling for a boycott ? In both case, the implications are quite bad.

... Israel, this is becoming ridiculous, you know ?

Am I the only one who thinks that it would be great if a nice, progressive country offered incentives for the youth of Israel and America who identify as "Leftist" or "Progressive" to move there? (to get educated young workers)

I know I'd think about moving if someone offered me job placement and healthcare...

Bienvenue en France. Come in one of our almost-free university for a year or two, the time to learn French and find a job. Since you come from America you shouldn't have too much difficulties to integrate. You better be qualified, though, or the only jobs you'll get will be low-tier, 'immigrant' ones.

I can see this right-wing nuttiness continuing and eventually the Israeli right will do something so outrageous (and be so insular and not notice) they will make Israel become a South Africa like pariah, boxed in by real sanctions.

[Rabid]

I can see this right-wing nuttiness continuing and eventually the Israeli right will do something so outrageous (and be so insular and not notice) they will make Israel become a South Africa like pariah, boxed in by real sanctions.

Well, except for the lake of UN sanctions (as far as I know), hasn't Israel already reached a state were it is in effect quite similar to South Africa under the Apartheid ?

I wasn't really around at the time of 'Apartheid South Africa', and so I can't judge from the similarities in term of public opinion ; but from what I can see, even in France, historical partner of the country, the public opinion is becoming quite opposed to Israel for human rights reasons.

For now, the major difference between Apartheid South Africa and Israel that I can see, is that Israel is still supported by some major powers and not under embargo. All the rest is the same, right down to the nuclear weapons.

Or is there some crucial piece of information that I lack ?

[eyl]

Is it the act of boycotting Israeli products that is now illegal, or the act of calling for a boycott ? In both case, the implications are quite bad.

The latter.

[Metahive]

The bill, which was backed by the cabinet, states that any boycott against Israel or any group located within its territory, including the West Bank, will be labeled a civil offense and its initiators will be subject to litigation. The legislation has been the focus of harsh criticism.

They're throwing Pandora's Box wide open with these kind of laws, they absolutely do have to be struck down in court before setting a horrible precedent that can only serve to further erode freedom of speech. Asking people to boycott goods is after all as non-violent as it gets when it comes to protest, one step up from submitting petitions, so if that's criminalized what comes next?

[Eulogy]

They're throwing Pandora's Box wide open with these kind of laws, they absolutely do have to be struck down in court before setting a horrible precedent that can only serve to further erode freedom of speech. Asking people to boycott goods is after all as non-violent as it gets when it comes to protest, one step up from submitting petitions, so if that's criminalized what comes next?

People are driven underground as an iron fist is brought down, and the US starts being accused of hypocritically suppressing freedom and The American Way?

[eyl]

They're throwing Pandora's Box wide open with these kind of laws, they absolutely do have to be struck down in court before setting a horrible precedent that can only serve to further erode freedom of speech. Asking people to boycott goods is after all as non-violent as it gets when it comes to protest, one step up from submitting petitions, so if that's criminalized what comes next?

There are already several court challenges to the law, and it's not really expected to survive the Supreme Court (especially as even the Knesset's legal advisor, in a rare public statement before the law was passed, stated that it violated freedom of expression and may be illegal). I believe the point of this law is less for it's own sake and more pandering to the right's base; they get the credit for Doing Something (even if it's stupid) about boycotts (which most Israelis, eve those not in the right, aren''t fond of) and when it gets struck down, the Supreme Court gets the blame (though I'm not sure if that's deliberate, it seems a bit subtle for their usual MO)

[bobalot]

They're throwing Pandora's Box wide open with these kind of laws, they absolutely do have to be struck down in court before setting a horrible precedent that can only serve to further erode freedom of speech. Asking people to boycott goods is after all as non-violent as it gets when it comes to protest, one step up from submitting petitions, so if that's criminalized what comes next?

There are already several court challenges to the law, and it's not really expected to survive the Supreme Court (especially as even the Knesset's legal advisor, in a rare public statement before the law was passed, stated that it violated freedom of expression and may be illegal). I believe the point of this law is less for it's own sake and more pandering to the right's base; they get the credit for Doing Something (even if it's stupid) about boycotts (which most Israelis, eve those not in the right, aren''t fond of) and when it gets struck down, the Supreme Court gets the blame (though I'm not sure if that's deliberate, it seems a bit subtle for their usual MO)

Except for the damage done to Israel's reputation. I wonder if they realise that even public support in America for Israel and its policies has dropped in recent years.

[Ritterin Sophia]

Except for the damage done to Israel's reputation. I wonder if they realise that even public support in America for Israel and its policies has dropped in recent years.

I don't think that's because of Israel's actions. Remember that the vast majority of support for Israel comes not from rational reasons, but the Religious Right who feel Israel's existence is needed to usher in the Second Coming. Religiousness is dropping, slowly but surely, and Israel's support is dropping with it.

[Teebs]

I don't think that's because of Israel's actions. Remember that the vast majority of support for Israel comes not from rational reasons, but the Religious Right who feel Israel's existence is needed to usher in the Second Coming. Religiousness is dropping, slowly but surely, and Israel's support is dropping with it.

Do you have a source for that? My impression is that Israel has/had a general level of support in the US that went well beyond the religious right, presumably because of relatively positive media coverage and being told about how it's a US ally surrounded by enemies.

[Gandalf]

I don't think that's because of Israel's actions. Remember that the vast majority of support for Israel comes not from rational reasons, but the Religious Right who feel Israel's existence is needed to usher in the Second Coming. Religiousness is dropping, slowly but surely, and Israel's support is dropping with it.

Don't forget people who just don't like Muslims, and see Israel as the first line of defence against Islam.

[ComradeClaus]

hmm, I find these events interesting, change, rather than status quo.

If anyone feels too oppressed, they can come here to canada, tolerant, wide-open spaces, a TRUE "Land of Milk & Honey" rather than rocks & desert & DEAD SEA & very ANGRY neighbors firing rockets & people who go "boom", who's kids throw rocks all the time.

As for unpopularity, there is NOTHING Israel can do, that would make the US (very large jewish community supports their fellows) or Germany (They OWE Israel & will pay ANY cost to aid them) withdraw political/economic/military support. The UN is irrelevant, w/ out the Big 5 of the Security Council, it's toothless. Plus Israel has nukes. I'll enjoy the show no matter what happens next.

[Ritterin Sophia]

Do you have a source for that? My impression is that Israel has/had a general level of support in the US that went well beyond the religious right, presumably because of relatively positive media coverage and being told about how it's a US ally surrounded by enemies.

Of what? That most American supporters of Israel are Christian Zionists?

[Teebs]

Do you have a source for that? My impression is that Israel has/had a general level of support in the US that went well beyond the religious right, presumably because of relatively positive media coverage and being told about how it's a US ally surrounded by enemies.

Of what? That most American supporters of Israel are Christian Zionists?

Pretty much, I had the impression it had a wider base than that. From the polls I've seen support for Israel compared to Palestine seems to split about 60-20 in the US while I think the religious right only makes up about 30% of the population.

Edit: I'm not trying to nitpick, it's just that the reasons for US support have a big impact on whether you could expect it to decline in the future or not.

[eyl]

Except for the damage done to Israel's reputation.

They don't seem to care that much. Bear in mind that a lot of them believe that Israel won't get a fair shake in international opinion no matter what (actually, that belief is more widespread among Israelis, and isn't completely baseless, but the hard-right supporters tend towards an extreme version of this view). So from their POV, who cares whether we take a rep hit? That'll happen anyway (in their opinion)! and this way they reap positive rewards with their domestic base.

That said, Leiberman and others of his party seem to think that their "diplomacy" is actually working, so who knows...