With treasury’s support, Regev introduces bill to defund ‘subversive’ bodies

Culture Minister Miri Regev and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon submit legislation that would allow the government to withhold funding for “organizations that are working against the principles of the state,” according to a Channel 10 report.

Regev has been seeking Kahlon’s support to punish institutions that produce or feature what she terms “subversive” art, but has not had it until now.

The minister submitted the proposed legislation as a memorandum, and will be brought before the Ministerial Committee for Legislation in late October when the Knesset returns from its summer break.

Opposition lawmakers slammed the move, with Knesset opposition leader Tzipi Livni saying the “demand for loyalty in art is another step in silencing expression and forcing culture to be a mouthpiece for the government.

“Israel is strong enough for freedom in art and culture,” Livni adds.