Netanyahu comes out against Knesset inquiry into NGOs

Prime minister says "we don't need investigations in the Knesset," will allow voting freedom for measure as "there are others who don't agree"; reiterates support for courts.

By JEREMY SHARON, JPOST.COM STAFF
Netanyahu at CIS conference_311 (photo credit: GPO)
Netanyahu at CIS conference_311
(photo credit: GPO)
After throwing his support behind the anti-boycott law that passed through the Knesset earlier this week, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Thursday said he opposes the establishment of parliamentary inquiries into left-wing and human rights NGOs.
“I do not propose parliamentary commissions of inquiry," the prime minister told hundreds of Chabad emissaries in Tel Aviv’s Ganei Ta’arucha at a gathering celebrating 20 years of the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS (former Soviet Union).
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"We don't need investigations in the Knesset," he added.
Netanyahu slightly softened his tone, however, saying that he would not force Likud MKs to vote against the bill. "There are others who don't agree," he said, "so I'll grant them voting freedom."
The prime minister also reiterated his opposition to a proposal that would give a Knesset committee veto power over Supreme Court nominees.
“In democracy there is a separation of powers between the legislative and judicial authorities. One of our most basic foundations is the courts and it cannot be harmed.” He added, "I will defend the court."
Netanyahu also repeated his opposition to unilateral Palestinian moves in the UN, stating that there is no alternative to negotiations without pre-conditions.
“We are not strangers in this land, and the conflict is not about a Palestinian state and never has been. It’s about the existence of a Jewish state which they still don’t accept.”
The prime minister congratulated the FJC and the Chabad movement for their efforts working with the Jewish communities of the former Soviet Union.
“Everywhere in the CIS there there was darkness and you brought light. We are all fighting the same fight and share a joint mission for the sake of the Jewish people and the Jewish homeland people." He added, "With you we embrace the communities of the diaspora all over the world."
“We are celebrating tonight the return to Israel of a large tribe if the Jewish people and you helped change the state of Israel, you strengthened it and helped build it.”
Present at the celebration was billionaire businessman and president of the FJC Lev Leviev along with Rabbi Berel Lazar, chief rabbi of Russia.
The FJC administers a number of different funds for its member communities, dedicated to Jewish community development, rebuilding communal institutions and creating infrastructure and programs.