Kadima, Labor, Arab MKs to boycott probe into NGOs

Opposition members announce they will not take part in Knesset investigative committees probing NGO funding.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Livni doing a hand thing 311 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Livni doing a hand thing 311
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Opposition leader Tzipi Livni on Wednesday announced her decision to boycott the creation and implementation of  parliamentary investigation committees designated to look into the funding of left wing NGOs.
Therefore, discussions surrounding the committee's creation next Tuesday will be solely be attended by supporters of the proposal. Kadima, joined by Labor and Arab members of the Knesset, have decided not to participate in Knesset discussions of the committees as part of their boycott.
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A letter submitted to Knesset House Committee chair, MK Yariv Levin (Likud), by the Kadima faction said that its representatives would not serve as members of the investigative committee.
"Even without agreeing to these organizations' [left-wing NGOs'] activities, we are of the opinion that the establishment of an investigative committee is a new low in the history of the Knesset," the letter said. "Forming this committee is a dangerous and anti-democratic action."
Kadima had decided two weeks ago to oppose the establishment of the parlimentiary investigative committees. Kadima chair Livni said that "there is an ill wind sweeping the nation," adding "we shall stand before the wave and stop this evil spirit. Kadima shall not be passive in this process, our public role is to be participatory in this matter, and stand against the wave."