Bill criminalizing some filming of IDF passes first Knesset vote

A bill that would criminalize the filming of certain Israeli military activities, including clashes between IDF soldiers and Palestinians, passes its first Knesset reading.

The controversial bill, sponsored by the Yisrael Beytenu party with the support of Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, would subject anyone caught filming or publishing footage of military activities with the purpose of harming “the soldiers’ morale” to up to five years behind bars.

Robert Ilatov, the Yisrael Beytenu MK who authored the legislation, says his bill will “put an end to the unacceptable interfering with IDF soldiers while carrying out their duties and attempts to disgrace them in the media.”

The legislation is opposed by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who said he would not be able to defend the law.