Inquiry against NIF is 'political persecution'

Meretz MK Nitzan Horowitz has just issued a press release, condemning the attempt by right-wing Knesset members to create a parliamentary inquiry committee to look into the actions of the New Israel Fund. The aim, of course, is to intimidate the New Israel Fund, in an attempt to silence its important voice. Here is MK Horowitz's statement as I've translated it:

Inquiry Committee against the New Israel Fund - Political Persecution of the Most Dangerous Kind

MK Nitzan Horowitz has warned against the attack on free speech in Israel being conducted by the far right and being encouraged by parts of the Kadima party.

"The persecution of human rights organizations in Israel has become a dangerous hobby, both in and out of the Knesset. Now elements in Kadima are also joining this witch hunt, with a dangerous proposal whose single goal is intimidation and the silencing of public discourse in Israel.

"Whoever in Israel is engaged in defending minorities, human rights, and freedom of expression has become a target for persecution on the part of the Netanyahu-Barak-Lieberman-Yishai coalition. Now joining these efforts are segments of Kadima, whose real place is on the extreme right.

"The New Israel Fund is one of the most important socially-minded organizations in the country. Civil society in Israel would be unimaginable without its years of contribution. The incitement campaign against it is political persecution of the most dangerous kind."