How Israel’s proposed NGO law targets human rights groups

What We’re Reading

Israeli politics

Israeli NGO Law Would Apply Almost Solely to Human Rights Organizations,

The so-called NGO bill, requiring nonprofit organizations supported by foreign governments to publicize their funding sources, will apply to 27 bodies, all but two of which are human rights organizations, a check by the Knesset has found.

Netanyahu Blasts French Peace Plan: 'Path to Peace Doesn't Pass Through International Conferences',

Israeli prime minister added that he is not ceasing efforts to find ways to advance the peace process, including using the assistance of other countries in the region.

Spoiler Alert: Netanyahu, Lieberman Aren't About to Make Peace,

“Israel might make a show of attending an international conference or starting a peace process, but only to buy time,” writes Gideon Levy.

Bill Would Let Israeli Lawmakers Oust Colleagues, Not Just Suspend,

Lead opposition party Zionist Union says the move is inspired ‘by hatred of Arabs’ and seeks ‘liquidations on a political basis.’

Occupation/Human rights

WATCH: Israeli soldiers apparently kick knife towards body of man 'executed' in Hebron,

A video has emerged that seems to show a knife being kicked in the direction of an alleged Palestinian attacker who is seen lying on the ground. The new footage, obtained by Israel’s Channel Two, may show what happened shortly before an Israeli soldier shot the Palestinian in the head in March, despite him being wounded and lying on the ground. It is not clear who moves the knife in the video but voices are heard calling for the knife to be kicked closer to the body.

Claiming lack of building permits, Israel continues to demolish Palestinian homes,

“While refusing to grant Palestinians building permits, the Israeli authorities have recently intensified their demolition operations targeting Palestinian homes, justifying their actions by claiming that these homes were built without permits,” writes Ahmad Melhem.

60% of people arrested by Israeli police are 'non-Jews',

The data, obtained for the years 2011-2015, paints an even more grim picture of discrimination, especially in the arrests of minors, for crimes like ‘incitement,’ and predictably, for ‘security offenses.’ Ayman Odeh: Data reveals deeply ingrained racism in the police.

BDS

UK Labour leader pushed for bans, boycotts of Israel, letters show,

Before his election as UK Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn pressed for a boycott of Israel and called on the British foreign secretary at the time to ban Israeli politicians from entering the country, newly released letters from 2010-2015 show.

Gaza

IDF warns of escalating pressure in Gaza,

IDF officers are concerned that poverty, unemployment and an internal power struggle within Hamas might push the movement into a new military conflict with Israel.