Netanyahu in dramatic move: "We will revoke citizenship from anyone who defames IDF soldiers"

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the advancement of two government bills in response to the defamation of IDF soldiers: one will increase compensation in libel lawsuits without proof of damage by 20 times to one million shekels, and the other will allow revoking citizenship from anyone who defames the soldiers and the state abroad. The proposals will be brought to the Ministerial Committee for Legislation and later to the Knesset.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced today (Wednesday) the advancement of two government bills as part of what he calls "BDA laws," in response to the defamation of IDF soldiers and the State of Israel abroad. The first proposal, to be submitted by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, will increase the compensation amount that can be claimed for libel without proof of damage by 20 times, up to one million shekels. The second proposal, to be submitted by the Interior Ministry, will allow revoking citizenship from anyone who defames IDF soldiers and the State of Israel abroad. The proposals will be brought immediately to the Ministerial Committee for Legislation, and after approval there, will be brought to a vote in the Knesset. The move comes amid the uproar surrounding the documentary "BDA" by Israeli creators Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor, which was screened at the Venice Film Festival and won an award. The film includes testimonies from IDF soldiers and serious allegations regarding the military's conduct during the war in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu referred to the film and said: "I heard it, and it is shocking. We are fighting global anti-Semitic incitement, but when it comes from within, it is simply unbearable." Since these are government bills, in the first stage there is no need for approval from the consensus committee operating during the election recess, but later the opposition's consent will be required to complete the legislation.