The European Union yesterday criticized the Israel ‘NGO Law’ which targets foreign funded NGOs saying it “undermines democracy and freedom of expression”.

The law demands NGOs which receive more than half of their funding from foreign governments or organizations to provide details of these donations.

The European Commission said, “The reporting requirements imposed by the new law go beyond the legitimate need for transparency and seem aimed at constraining the activities of these civil society organizations”.

EU says new Anti-NGO bill in Israel "seem aimed at constraining the activities of civil society organizations"

— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) July 12, 2016

It added, “Israel enjoys a vibrant democracy, freedom of speech and a diverse civil society… This new legislation risks undermining these values”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly supported the bill which was proposed by Justice Minister, Ayelet Shaked.

Israel’s Peace Now NGO said of the law: “Its true intention is to divert Israeli public discourse away from the occupation and to silence opposition”.

(MEMO, PC)