Likud MK Ofir Akunis, who sponsored the bill to limit foreign funding to Israeli human rights organization, stood behind Senator Joseph’s McCarthy’s actions in the 1950s. Speaking on Sunday on the “London and Kirshenbaum” television show on Channel 10, Akunis said McCarthy – who in the 1950s presided over a committee that investigated Americans Communist – said “was right in every word, the fact is – there were Soviet agents.”

Rally against McCarthyism in the United States in the 50’s

According to the bill, which was proposed by Akunis and has been backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, political NGOs in Israel would not be allowed to receive donations exceeding 20,000 shekels provided by foreign governments and international organizations, such as the UN and the European Union. According to the bill, “inciting activity undertaken by many organizations, under the cover of human rights work, has the goal of influencing political debates, and the character and the policies of the state of Israel.”

Just a few hours later, Akunis’ colleague in the extreme right faction of Likud MKs, Danny Danon, announced on the same Channel 10 that he is proposing a law which will require each citizen who wants an ID card, passport or driving license to sign a declaration of loyalty to the State of Israel.