During my 23 years as Pres of Huvpac,I became very familiar with federal election law.On one occasion we accidentally accepted a check from a union,cashed it,but then realized our error and sent the money back.Nevertheless we were fined by the Federal Election Commission (a few thousand dollars).
One key element of US federal law is that foreign corporations and non-US citizens cannot contribute to PAC's or to election campaigns.It goes without saying that foreign governments cannot contribute to American campaigns.
Thus it is difficult to understand the yelling by the EU,and left wing groups in Israel,now that the Knesset is putting the brakes on foreign govt contributions, and limiting them to 20,000 shekalim ( 3.5 to the dollar).
The Left has used these funds to smear and delegitimize Israel in the court
of world opinion.Sure they can do this if they can raise the funds within Israel.
An examination shows the extent of the problem.
After each organization is the amount recieved from foreign govts of their whole budget
PEACE NOW----1.5 /3.5 SHEKELS
IR AMIN ----1.5 /3.5
ASSOC. CIVIL RIGHTS --1.3 /8.5
BTSELEM ---4.8/ 9.0
BREAKING THE SILENCE 1.6 /3.0
YESH DIN --4.7 / 5.0
PHYSICIANS FOR HUM--3.6 / 4.5
This is not a cap on criticism of the govt.,but on foreign intervention.
This and the accompanying bill to tax these monies at 45 % are long overdue.
Israel has enough enemies without allowing foreign governments to shape the internal debate.
