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Trojan Horse: The Impact of European Government Funding for Israeli NGOs
(NGO Monitor) Non-governmental organizations using the language and frameworks of human rights and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians are often a hidden channel for external influence in Israeli foreign and security policies. Much of the funding for political lobbies that claim to be based in Israeli "civil society" comes from foreign sources - particularly European governments, including the European Commission. This externally funded NGO network is far more powerful than other Israeli organizations that do not enjoy similar support from foreign governments. This study provides a detailed analysis of the activities of more than twenty Israel-based NGOs that receive funding from European governments. One such group that promotes Palestinian claims to Jerusalem and targets Jewish housing initiatives received 67% of its 2007 NIS 4 million budget from foreign government sources. The principle of free speech must be preserved, together with limiting the ability of foreign governments to both manipulate domestic politics and to undermine Israel's international legitimacy. European governments should end the secrecy which characterizes their funding decisions for political NGOs, and clear principles for any continued support of these lobbies should be established.