Libel bill passes 1st Knesset reading
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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.
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. (Moran Azulay)
