Ministers back bill criminalizing filming of IDF soldiers in clashes

Cabinet ministers authorize a bill that would criminalize the filming of certain Israeli military activities, including clashes between IDF soldiers and Palestinians.

The Ministerial Committee for Legislation, which sets the coalition’s position on Knesset legislation, votes in favor of the proposal, despite opposition from Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit who says he will not be able to defend the law.

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.

More aggravated circumstances, such as publishing such footage with the intention of “harming state security,” can carry a punishment of up to 10 years in prison.

The committee, seen as a key bellwether of a bill’s chances to become law, sends the bill to the Knesset. The first preliminary vote is slated for Wednesday.

— Raoul Wootliff