Netanyahu Vows Harsh Penalties for IDF Critics, Including Citizenship Revocation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on September 16, 2026, plans to introduce new legislation aimed at protecting IDF soldiers and the State of Israel from defamation. The government's strong reaction was reportedly triggered by the controversial film "There Is No Other Land," created by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor.
Netanyahu stated the necessity of shielding soldiers from external attacks. During the Knesset's parliamentary recess, the government intends to advance two key bills. The first, spearheaded by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, aims to significantly increase damages awarded in defamation lawsuits, potentially up to one million shekels, even without proof of actual harm.
The second bill, managed by the Ministry of Interior, proposes a process to revoke the citizenship of individuals who spread damaging information about IDF soldiers or the state abroad. Beyond administrative and legal repercussions, proponents of the initiative intend to impose severe financial penalties and passport cancellations on offenders.
The government is committed to using the "harshest legal tools," including financial pressure and passport annulments, to prevent any attempts to discredit the armed forces internationally.
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