Israel Proposes Legal Action Against 'Lies' Targeting IDF

Israeli politician Sharan Haskel is advocating for a new legislative approach to combat what she describes as a "lie industry" that targets Israel and the IDF. Haskel, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and chair of the "Israel First" party, argues that existing Israeli public relations efforts have failed to deter international criticism and accusations, citing a new film titled "Collateral Damage" (Naza) as the latest example.

Haskel contends that international media outlets like the BBC, CNN, and The New York Times have become conduits for anti-Israel narratives, echoing accusations against the IDF with the same fervor they use for Hamas propaganda. She criticizes the "anonymous testimonies" and "blood libels" often presented without verification, suggesting that Israeli-made content is sometimes used to legitimize modern antisemitism.

She proposes a paradigm shift from passive explanation to active legal and economic deterrence. Haskel's proposed "Law for the Legal Protection of the State of Israel's Name" would empower government ministries, including the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to sue for libel both domestically and internationally. The aim is to impose significant financial and personal costs on individuals and organizations that spread what she deems to be false accusations against Israel.

Haskel believes that the current lack of consequences for spreading such narratives, with the worst outcome being a minor clarification weeks later, incentivizes their continued dissemination. She asserts that freedom of expression should not shield those who spread blood libels during existential conflicts. The proposed law, which Haskel aims to make a condition for coalition entry, seeks to establish a "legal and economic Iron Dome" to protect Israel's reputation and its soldiers, marking a move from defense to offense.