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Netanyahu-picked Milwidksy passes first Finance Committee vote despite rape allegations

Knesset Advances Bill to Designate UNRWA as Terror Organization, Backed by Netanyahu Allies

In a significant development in Israeli politics, the Knesset has passed the first reading of a controversial bill aimed at officially designating the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as a terrorist organization. The legislation, proposed by MK Yulia Malinovsky of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, received strong support from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition allies, marking a bold escalation in Israel's longstanding tensions with the UN agency. The bill cleared its initial hurdle with a vote of 42-6 in the plenum, setting the stage for further debates and potential amendments before it can become law.

The proposal comes amid heightened scrutiny of UNRWA's operations, particularly in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Israeli officials have repeatedly accused the agency of complicity in terrorism, claiming that some of its employees participated in the attacks or harbored militants. Malinovsky, a vocal critic of UNRWA, argued during the session that the organization has "lost its way" and serves as a front for Hamas activities in Gaza and the West Bank. "UNRWA is not a humanitarian agency; it's a breeding ground for terror," she stated emphatically, citing intelligence reports that allege ties between UNRWA staff and Palestinian militant groups.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has been a key figure in pushing this narrative. Although the bill was not directly authored by his Likud party, sources close to the government indicate that Netanyahu personally endorsed it, viewing it as part of a broader strategy to dismantle what he calls "institutions that perpetuate the refugee problem." In recent speeches, Netanyahu has lambasted UNRWA for allegedly indoctrinating Palestinian youth with anti-Israel sentiments through its education programs and for failing to prevent the misuse of its facilities for military purposes. His support for the bill aligns with his administration's hardline stance on security issues, especially as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza.

The bill's provisions are sweeping. If enacted, it would strip UNRWA of its diplomatic immunities and privileges in Israel, including those under the 1946 UN Convention on Privileges and Immunities. This could lead to the freezing of UNRWA's assets in Israel, the expulsion of its personnel, and legal actions against the agency for any perceived support of terrorism. Furthermore, the legislation calls for Israel to sever all ties with UNRWA, urging other nations to follow suit and redirect humanitarian aid through alternative channels. Proponents argue that this would force a reevaluation of international aid to Palestinians, potentially shifting responsibility to other UN bodies like UNHCR, which handles refugees globally.

Opposition to the bill was fierce but outnumbered. MKs from left-leaning parties, including Labor and Meretz, decried it as a dangerous politicization of humanitarian aid. "This is not about security; it's about erasing the Palestinian refugee issue altogether," said MK Gilad Kariv of Labor during the debate. Critics warn that designating UNRWA as a terror group could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the agency provides essential services like education, healthcare, and food aid to millions. International observers, including UN officials, have condemned the move, with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini calling it "a direct attack on multilateralism and the rights of refugees."

The timing of the bill's advancement is noteworthy. It coincides with ongoing international legal pressures on Israel, including investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into alleged war crimes in Gaza. Netanyahu's government has been defiant in the face of such scrutiny, using domestic legislation to assert sovereignty over issues like settlements and security. The prime minister's backing of the bill also serves to solidify his coalition, which includes far-right parties like Otzma Yehudit and Religious Zionism, whose leaders have long advocated for aggressive measures against Palestinian institutions.

Historically, UNRWA was established in 1949 to assist Palestinians displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Unlike other refugee agencies, it defines refugees hereditarily, a point of contention for Israel, which argues this perpetuates the conflict rather than resolving it. Over the decades, Israel has accused UNRWA of bias, with incidents like the discovery of weapons in UNRWA schools during past Gaza conflicts fueling distrust. The October 7 attacks amplified these claims when Israel alleged that at least 12 UNRWA employees were involved, leading to funding suspensions by several donor countries, including the United States, before some reinstated aid after investigations.

Malinovsky's bill is not isolated; it builds on prior legislative efforts. In May 2024, the Knesset passed a preliminary motion to ban UNRWA operations in Jerusalem, and there have been calls to revoke the agency's lease on properties in East Jerusalem. Netanyahu has publicly stated that "UNRWA's days are numbered," echoing sentiments from his foreign minister and defense officials. The current bill, having passed the first reading, will now go to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for review. If it advances through the second and third readings, it could become law within months, potentially triggering diplomatic fallout with the UN and key allies.

Supporters within Netanyahu's circle see this as a victory for Israeli sovereignty. MK Danny Danon, a Likud member and former UN ambassador, praised the bill as "a necessary step to expose the truth about UNRWA." He argued that international law allows nations to designate entities as terrorist organizations based on evidence, drawing parallels to how countries like the US label groups like Hezbollah. However, legal experts question the bill's compatibility with international obligations, noting that UNRWA operates under a UN mandate, and unilateral actions could invite sanctions or isolation.

The broader implications extend beyond Israel-Palestine relations. If successful, the bill could set a precedent for other nations dissatisfied with UN agencies, potentially undermining global humanitarian efforts. Palestinian leaders have reacted sharply, with the Palestinian Authority calling it "an act of war against the Palestinian people." Hamas, meanwhile, has used the development to rally support, portraying it as evidence of Israel's intent to eliminate Palestinian rights.

As the bill progresses, debates are expected to intensify. Netanyahu's government, facing domestic protests over judicial reforms and the ongoing war, may use this as a unifying issue for its base. Analysts suggest that while the bill boosts morale among right-wing voters, it risks alienating moderate allies abroad, including in the Biden administration, which has expressed concerns over escalating tensions.

In the Knesset halls, the atmosphere was charged during the vote. Malinovsky, an immigrant from Ukraine who has risen as a prominent voice on security matters, defended her proposal with personal anecdotes, recalling her experiences with conflict and displacement. Opponents, however, highlighted the human cost, sharing stories of Palestinian families reliant on UNRWA for survival amid the blockade and warfare in Gaza.

Looking ahead, the bill's fate hinges on committee deliberations. Amendments could soften its language to focus on specific UNRWA branches rather than the entire organization, or tie it to ongoing investigations. Netanyahu's influence will be crucial; his office has indicated readiness to push for swift passage, viewing it as integral to post-war reconstruction plans that exclude UNRWA.

This legislative move underscores the deepening rift between Israel and international bodies. As one commentator noted, "Netanyahu is not just fighting Hamas; he's challenging the global framework that sustains the status quo." Whether the bill becomes law or fizzles in committee, it signals a new chapter in Israel's approach to the Palestinian issue, one defined by unilateral action and defiance.

The international community watches closely. European Union officials have urged restraint, emphasizing UNRWA's role in stabilizing the region. Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian activists worldwide are mobilizing campaigns against the bill, framing it as part of a broader assault on refugee rights. In Israel, public opinion is divided, with polls showing majority support among Jewish Israelis for curbing UNRWA, but concerns about diplomatic repercussions.

As debates continue, the bill represents more than policy—it's a statement of intent from Netanyahu's government, aiming to reshape the narrative around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With the first reading passed, the path forward promises heated confrontations, both in the Knesset and on the global stage. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full Jerusalem Post Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/netanyahu-picked-milwidksy-passes-first-122318775.html ]