Israel NGO bill, seen as targeting left-wing groups, set to cross first hurdle

Left-wing protesters, one holding a placard bearing the logo of Peace Now, an Israeli NGO that tracks and opposes Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, take part in a protest condemning an arson attack in the West Bank, at Rabin square in Tel Aviv, Israel, in this August 1, 2015 file picture. REUTERS/Baz Ratner/Files

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - A bill that opponents say targets Israeli human rights groups critical of Israel's policies towards the Palestinians won initial approval in parliament on Monday with the support of right-wing parties.

Called a "transparency bill" by its sponsor, far-right Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, the legislation would require NGOs to give details of overseas donations in all their official publications if more than half their funding comes from foreign governments or bodies such as the European Union.