BICOM

A controversial proposed amendment to Israel’s libel laws passed its first reading in the Knesset yesterday, despite vocal opposition from both coalition and opposition MKs. The bill would make it possible to take legal action against a newspaper not only for compensation for tangible damage, but also for an additional sum of NIS 300,000 without having to prove any tangible damage. This is six times the sum currently mandatory for libel violations. Critics of the amendment believe it will hamper the freedom of the press, by making newspapers far more cautious about printing controversial stories concerning public figures, for fear of financial loss.

The amendment was passed by 42 votes to 31, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voting in favour. Defending the bill in front of Likud members just hours before the Knesset session, the PM said his government will continue to protect freedom of speech while seeking to balance reporting. Opposition leader Tzipi Livni, however, spoke against the law, accusing the government of seeking to silence criticism.