Yisrael Beytenu faction leader MK Robert Ilatov introduced legislation Wednesday that would criminalize the display of flags and symbols of terrorists organizations and enemy states. Under the bill, violators would be subject to a fine of 226,000 shekels ($63,300) or imprisonment of up to five years. The bill's restrictions could apply to demonstrations where protesters wave Hamas and Islamic State flags. According to the bill's preamble, flags of enemy states and terrorist organizations operating in Israel are "on display on a daily basis under the pretense of free speech." It adds further that "the state has a basic right to preserve its freedom and its very existence in the face of foreign enemies and those who support them from within." Ilatov told Israel Hayom on Wednesday that "in Israel, the state flag is the flag of Israel and there is no reason to allow flags of states, agencies or organizations seeking to undermine its sovereignty as a Jewish and democratic state to be displayed at public institutions and other public venues." Matan Peleg, CEO of right-wing organization Im Tirtzu, welcomed the initiative, saying that "having flags of enemy states flown on public buildings and academic institutions, as part of a demonstration against the state, is just absurd." "This bill is important and just," he went on to say. "It will ensure that extremists who call for the destruction of the state are disavowed in every possible way rather than being perceived as legitimate. Free speech and the right to demonstrate are paramount, but not if it means calling for the destruction of the State of Israel."
