MEP Ville Sivndal: Israel’s 80% Tax on NGOs- A Threat to Democracy and Human Rights

European Parliament Member from Denmark’s Socialist Party (SF), Mr. Ville Sivndal, has raised concerns over Israel’s attempts to suppress criticism and target human rights organizations. In a significant statement, Sivndal, emphasized the need to stop the Israeli’s efforts to delegitimize and weaken these organizations.

He highlighted Israel’s direct targeting of non-governmental institutions that criticize the occupation and its military actions in Gaza, along with punitive measures, the latest of which is a bill currently being voted on the Israeli Knesset. This measure would severely restrict the financial resources of these organizations, allowing them to retain only 20% of their funding.

This bill proposes an 80% tax on all foreign donations, including those from the European Union, which Sivndal views as a threat to the relationship between Israel and Europe.

Sivndal pointed out that Israel’s actions aim to stifle critical voices within civil society and eliminate organizations advocating for human rights, using political tactics undermine democracy. He urged the international community to take a stand against this approach.