Rightist MK expected to head probe into Israel's Leftist NGOs

Panel of inquiry into human rights' group sources of funding gets Knesset support despite widespread opposition; National Union MK Michael Ben Ari: I will protect Israel from haters both at home and abroad.
By Jonathan Lis

Tags: Israel news Right-wing lawmaker Michael Ben Ari is expected to be appointed head of a parliamentary panel of inquiry investigating the sources of funding for left-wing Israeli human rights groups.

The National Union MK, who was informed of the decision on Wednesday by coalition whip Ze'ev Elkin, welcomed the news as a chance to ensure that the investigation be carried out as justly as possible....

The initiative regarding the Leftist NGOs, brought forth by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu faction, will focus its assessments particularly on whether the money in question is coming from foreign states or even organizations deemed to be involved in terrorist activities.

The move has been opposed by politicians, activists and intellectuals alike, including President Shimon Peres, called on the Knesset to reject the proposal on the grounds that the matter should be dealt with by law enforcement officials and not lawmakers...


http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/rightist-mk-expected-to-head-probe-into-israel-s-leftist-ngos-1.339346

This is quite shocking if it does happen. Ben Ari is one of the 'haters', and it is like getting Nick Griffin to investigate 'subversive' groups in Britain would be. I hope that this whole witch-hunt can be prevented - after all the President's word should count for something!

nt

Meanwhile, in the real world, everyone knows that there IS no NGO conspiracy against Israel. There are just decent, honorable people reporting injustice where they see it.