Justice minister says US ‘doesn’t have to worry about NGO bill’

11 January 2016, 6:42 pm

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Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked says the US government “doesn’t have to worry” about the NGO bill she is advancing.

“I find it very strange that foreign governments are sending their long arms into an internal [Israeli] legislative process,” she says in response to news reports that the EU is funding lobbying efforts against the bill and after meeting with US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro earlier today.

“I was happy to meet with the American ambassador, and I came away believing that their concern is genuine. But they don’t have to worry. Israel is a strong and lively democracy, one that doesn’t need the intervention of other states in internal legislation.”

She adds: “The US does not have to worry. Our door is open to dialogue.”