New Israeli Directive Tightens NGO Regulations: Targeting Anti-Israel Activities

Israel has introduced a new government directive that significantly alters the registration process for international humanitarian organizations operating in Palestinian territories. The new policy, which took effect Monday, empowers the government to deny or revoke permits for NGOs involved in activities such as promoting boycotts, delegitimizing Israel, or denying the October 7 massacre. This move comes from the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism and has raised significant attention as it seeks to regulate the actions of foreign humanitarian groups.

The updated framework stipulates that NGOs must meet specific criteria to be registered and maintain operations within Israel and the West Bank. The new rules allow authorities to deny registration or revoke existing permits for organizations that:

- Engage in delegitimizing actions against Israel, including calls for boycotts.

- Deny Israel’s existence as a Jewish and democratic state.

- Promote the denial of the October 7 massacre or Holocaust denial.

- Support the prosecution of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers in foreign or international courts.

Currently, around 170 international humanitarian NGOs operate in the region, benefiting from free movement, tax advantages, and the ability to open Israeli bank accounts. Under the new policy, these NGOs will be required to reapply for permits in a six-month review process conducted by the Diaspora Affairs Ministry.

The interministerial team responsible for drafting the policy, led by Avi Cohen-Scali, director-general of the Diaspora Affairs Ministry, includes representatives from various security agencies, such as the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), Israel Police, and the National Bureau for Counterterror Financing (Defense Ministry). These agencies will conduct intelligence assessments and issue registration decisions within 45 working days, ensuring that NGOs adhere to national security guidelines.

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli described the new directive as a “dramatic change” in Israel’s approach to foreign NGOs. In a statement, Chikli emphasized that the policy aims to prevent organizations from using humanitarian aid as a cover to undermine Israel’s existence and reputation. He reiterated that the Israeli government would not tolerate anti-Israel activities disguised as humanitarian work.

“This directive marks a dramatic shift in Israel’s policy toward foreign entities that, under the guise of humanitarian aid, undermine the state’s existence, promote boycotts, and blacken its reputation,” Chikli said.

The policy shift raises significant questions about the future of international NGOs in Palestinian territories. Organizations that have historically operated with little oversight from Israeli authorities will now face stricter scrutiny. The policy also highlights Israel’s increasing concern over foreign NGOs that may be seen as supporting actions contrary to its national interests or sovereignty.