Libel bill passes first Knesset reading

Despite criticism hurled at controversial legislation, parliament gives preliminary approval to proposal to raise maximum damages paid for slander, libel violations

Moran Azulay|Published: 11.21.11 , 23:55

A controversial amendment to the state's libel law was passed in its first reading at the Knesset on Monday evening, with a 42-31 margin.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak voted in favor of the bill. MK Meir Sheetrit (Kadima), Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Shalom Simhon, MK Zevulun Orlev (Habayit Hayehudi), and MK Yariv Levin (Likud) also voted in favor of the bill.

The vote concluded a fiery discussion that shook the plenum session over the bill, which aims to increase the maximum compensation paid for libel violations – without proof of damage – to NIS 300,000 (roughly $80,500), six times what it is today. Knesset members warned that the amendment would erode Israel's democracy and violate the freedom of the press.

'You don't get such fines for killing'

MK Uri Orbach (Habayit Hayehudi) inveighed against the legislation, suggesting that it would disseminate fear among reporters.

"This is going to be a profitable deal for Knesset members, ministers, dignitaries… I almost beg you – slander me," he said sarcastically. "NIS 300,000. A year's worth of work at the Knesset. It's preferable to kill (than to slander) – you don't get a fine like that for manslaughter. I'm telling you, you've gone mad."

MK Dov Khenin (Hadash) blasted the proposed amendment.

"In especially barbaric justice systems, the punishment for libel is cutting out the offender's tongue," he said. "This is exactly what this law suggests we do. We have here a proposal for an extreme, wild, murderous sanction for the publication (of a statement) that did no harm.

"I feel like even Saudi Arabia doesn't have such a law," he added.

Labor Chairwoman Shelly Yachimovich spoke out against the measure as well, dubbing it a "doomsday weapon."

"Libel suits don't protect regular people, who don't have lawyers," she said. "This is a weapon held exclusively by those who have power. It's a weapon held by the rich."

Earlier, MK Zevulun Orlev (Habayit Hayehudi), one of the bill's initiators, decided that he won't support it unless it is significantly revised.

"I am dissatisfied with the way the law is worded," he said. "The proposal is unbalanced in its protection of the freedom of speech and the independence of the media. If the wording of the law is not significantly revised in time for the second and third Knesset readings, I will vote against it."

Another initiator of the bill, MK Yariv Levin (Likud), said he agrees to make amendments to the law by which it would only apply to media outlets with wide circulation, and not to individual bloggers and Facebook users.