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A controversial bill which appears to target Israel’s most read daily newspaper, Israel Hayom, passed a first reading in the Knesset yesterday by 43 votes to 23.

Although proponents of the bill, including its author Labour MK Eitan Cabel have claimed that it is designed to protect Israel’s struggling newspaper industry, its regulations would in practice apply to just one title, Israel Hayom. The free publication’s editorial stance is perceived as virulently supportive of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is the title is owned by US casino mogul Sheldon Adelson a known close supporter of Netanyahu.

The legislation does not mention Israel Hayom by name, but would prohibit distribution of a free daily newspaper that is published six days a week and has at least 30 pages on weekdays and 100 pages in its weekend edition. These criteria currently only apply to Israel Hayom.

Speaking during yesterday’s debate, Cabel dispelled any doubts over the nature of the bill. He said that Israel Hayom is “all about the cult of personality … Instead of being the watchdog of democracy, it is Netanyahu’s attack dog.” Likud minister Yuval Steinitz responded that, “If the bill passes, then in North Korea and Iran they will come to Israel to learn how to close down media outlets.” Netanyahu himself was reported to have muttered that the bill “shames the Knesset.”

Among those who voted in favour of the bill were members of all parties, apart from Netanyahu’s Likud. They include representatives of Netanyahu’s coalition partners such as Yesh Atid and Hatnuah. Although the bill itself may struggle to make it through the committee stage and further plenum readings, it will be seen by some as another example of coalition disagreement.

On Sunday, Hatnuah’s Environment Minister Amir Peretz resigned and criticised Netanyahu. Meanwhile, both Hatnuah leader Tzipi Livni and Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid have appealed a ministerial committee decision to support a bill applying Israeli law to citizens in the West Bank.