Israeli parliament advances controversial counter-terrorism bill

The Israeli parliament advanced a sweeping anti-terror bill late Wednesday, in a first out of three rounds of votes necessary for approval of the controversial bill.

The bill, passed by a 46-16 vote, significantly broadens the definition of "terrorism," whilst simultaneously toughening punishments for such acts, with liberal lawmakers deeming it "anti-democratic."

The proposed legislation sets a new definition for an "act of terror," which, if approved, will include almost any act against Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.

The proposal includes acts perpetrated due to political or ideological motivations, in an attempt to foment public panic, persuade the government to take a certain decisions, or prevent it from doing so, if the act harmed, or seriously threatened to harm, Israel's security, an individual, a property or a religious site.

Acts in support of the so-called BDS movement, which calls for boycotts, divestments and sanctions against Israel, will be outlawed and classified as terrorism.

According to the bill, a person expressing solidarity with a "terrorist group" will face up to three years in prison.

The legislation states that anyone over the age of 12 is eligible for prosecution in terrorism participation. This could vary from wearing a shirt with a Hamas logo or a charity organization affiliated with the militant Islamist group, even if that person was not directly involved in attacks against Israel.

Under the Israeli legislation system, the bill will now undergo two rounds of revisions in a parliamentary subcommittee, followed by two rounds of votes, before approval can be issued.

Observers said the bill will most likely pass as it is government-sponsored and was actually first submitted by legislators who are currently members of the main opposition party, thus it is politically unlikely for them to vote against it.

"The bill aims to give law enforcement the tools necessary to effectively fight terror organizations, both in their increased activities and funding means," Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked told Israel's Ha'aretz newspaper.

During parliament's debate on the new legislation, left-wing Meretz party chairwoman, Zehava Galon, blasted it as "totalitarian," adding "we need to eliminate the impetus driving terrorism, which is the Israeli occupation."

Arab Joint List lawmaker Ahmad Tibi also slammed the bill, saying "the occupation grants people the right to struggle for liberty."

"However, sometimes, these become violent acts. Violence will endure," Ha'aretz quoted Tibi as saying. "Ending it means freeing Palestinians from occupation." Endit