(JTA) — A bill introduced in the Knesset aims to restrict foreign funding of NGOs that call directly or indirectly for boycott, divestment and sanctions against the State of Israel.
The bill, according to reports, also would also apply to groups that advocate the trial of Israeli army officers in international courts. Nongovernmental organizations that reject Israel’s Jewish and democratic character, or incite racism or violence against Israel also fall under the bill.
Such organizations would be able to accept a maximum of $5,500 in funding from foreign government entities. According to Haaretz, the restrictions would apply to an organization with one employee or board member who advocates these positions.
“Even today, foreign governments, through their support of extremist organizations, are involved in the unrelenting efforts to destroy the Jewish and democratic character of Israel,” said Ayelet Shaked, a Jewish Home Knesset member who introduced the bill, according to the Times of Israel.
The Knesset rejected a similar measure in 2011.
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