New Israeli law forces NGOs to disclose foreign funding

A new Israeli law will force NGOs to disclose foreign funding sources in future, Anadolu has reported. Citing Israel Radio, the report pointed out that the Knesset must still approve the law before it takes effect, but no time has been set aside for this as yet.

According to Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, said the report, NGO donations are used to serve donors’ agendas, which is why the legislation is needed. Arab MK Ayman Odeh, however, accused the Netanyahu government of trying to silence its critics. This view was echoed by others within the Israeli parliament.

“This is an attempt to suppress those left-leaning human rights groups which criticise the government’s policies,” alleged Zahava Gal On, the leader of the Meretz Party.

A specialist in Israeli affairs, Imad Abu-Awwad, told Anadolu that the new law is “controversial in Israel because it is targeting the Arab and leftist organisations” which happen to criticise the government. “Based on the new law,” he added, “the work of many parties will be hindered due to [alleged] funding violations.”

Read: Israel bans army whistle-blowing organisation – Breaking the Silence