The Anti-Terrorism Law passed its second and third readings in the Knesset plenum today. The law will provide state authorities with effective tools for dealing with terrorism. Among other things, the new law will enable the seizure and forfeiture of property related to terrorism, and contrary to the existing situation, the law will grant the Minister of Defense independent authority to declare even a person who is not an Israeli citizen as a "terrorist operative."
Documentation: Border Police undercover officers arrest Abu Dis suspected of assisting terrorist activity // Photo: Israel Police Spokesperson's Office
Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Photo: Oren Ben Hakon
The term "terrorist operative" can henceforth also include those who take part in financing terrorist organizations or provide them with various means. Another amendment that the law brings with it is the concept of "weapons", which will also include improper weapons (a knife that is not of a certain length, etc.). Thus, now the severity of the act and the mental element receive greater expression.
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, MK Edelstein: "We brought a change in concept here. We don't wait any longer, we initiate. We expanded the definition so that not only the terrorist holding a weapon would be defined as a terrorist operative, but also those who finance him and who assist him. Today we are also stopping the water in the pipeline and removing the fertilizer from the breeding ground of terror."
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us