The proposed libel law, devised by MKs Yariv Levin (Likud) and Meir Sheetrit (Kadima), is a deadweight on what's left of Israel's reputation here and abroad. Levin and Sheetrit are Likud members present and past, but the Likud appears to have strayed from its origins, as reflected in the pro-democracy vote of Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin (Likud), who opposed the bill. The law would increase penalties for untrue media reports that did not actually harm their subject. If the victim did indeed suffer harm, there is already an effective, harsh and chastening law on the books, rendering Monday's amendment superfluous. There would be no problem. The purpose of this law is to intimidate investigative journalists. The goal is to lead media owners to restrain their investigative reporters out of fear of heavy financial penalties. Over the past few weeks, one of Israel's media outlets has been investigating a particular tycoon family. Anyone aware of how much power, money and influence are being poured into efforts to obstruct that report must realize that the Israeli media is in danger of sinking into a big mush of entertainment shows like "Big Brother." Ironically, it would be out of fear of an all-too-real "big brother," a la George Orwell's "1984." Supporters of the law are trying to blind us and strike fear into our hearts. They speak on behalf of the average citizen, who, they say, might have his or her feelings hurt by an untrue report, even if they do not suffer concrete damage. As compassionate politicians, they would like to compensate the poor victim generously. If the opposition were sophisticated, it would subject the plotters of this scheme to the following test: If you really care about the "average citizen," as you say, then kindly allow the law to distinguish between victims of modest means on the one hand and politicians, executives, large corporations and the super-wealthy on the other. If Levin and Sheetrit comply, so much the better. If not, then the little guy is clearly not who they have in mind. He is just a cover. But the proposed libel law is just one instance of an ever-growing legislative scourge that at times seems designed to deepen the Likud's internal rift. An inexplicable alliance has emerged between the Likud's right-wing and Yisrael Beitenu and could bring down the coalition. Every new piece of legislation widens the crack within both the Likud and the coalition, as more and more ministers, Knesset members and small parties absent themselves from votes. The libel law vote had not even ended when Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman (Yisrael Beitenu) announced he would topple the government if it upholds the law and evacuates private Palestinian land occupied by settlers in Migron. Lieberman always seems to be going after the judicial system, the same system that will clinch his fate should it decide to issue an indictment against him. A minister calling for non-compliance with a High Court decision? This type of thing does not happen in Western democracies. But it does happen in Israel. With the help of a tsunami of bills of this sort, Lieberman may gradually render coalition life impossible, ensuring an early return to the voting booths.
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