Regular consumption of online terrorist content will be punishable by a year in prison, according to an amendment to the laws on fighting terrorism that was approved by the Knesset on Wednesday.
The amendment will be valid for two years. It prohibits the regular consumption of online posts related to terrorist organizations that include direct calls for terrorism; praise, glorification, or encouragement to carry out terrorist attacks; or documentation of a terrorist attack.
The amended law does not apply to people who read the posts accidentally or innocently, or monitor them to inform the public, to prevent terrorism or as research.
ISIS or Hamas-related content
It relates to the consumption of content specifically from ISIS and Hamas but gives the justice minister the discretion to add other terrorist organizations.
Ra’am (United Arab List) and Hadash-Ta’al said the amendment would target Arabs, worsen tensions between Arabs and Jews, and hamper freedom of speech.