Breaking news: Israel passes "Pirate Radio Law"
Mike Brand reports: The Israeli "Pirate Radio Law" as it is being called here, was passed in the Israeli Cabinet this morning by 11 votes for, and 5 votes against. The law would make it illegal to advertise on the pirate stations - including Arutz 7.
An attempt was made to postpone the vote on the "Pirate Radio Law" by right wing ministers Efi Eitam and Beni Eilon, but this was rejected by the cabinet, and the vote went ahead, with the result above.
It was a stormy meeting, including a slanging match between the ministers Lapid and Eitam. Lapid: Anyone who tries to block this law,and a major air crash happens (at Ben Gurion Airport), then they will have those people's blood on their hands. Eitam: Lapid is using terrorist wording.
The five who opposed the proposed law, were from right wing parties. Before the vote, Transport Minister, Avigdor Lieberman (Our Israel - a right wing coalition of parties), asked for the discussion to be postponed. He said that his ministry will form a committee to go into all the technical details about the use of current frequencies, and their influence (interference) on traffic coming into Israel, therefore, there will be no need for a law. This proposal was rejected.
Lapid was flabbergasted that Lieberman - Transport Minister - would be against the new law. He continued that " Everyone knows why the National Religious Party and the Right Wing Coalition parties are against this law (referring to their close contacts and cooperation with the offshore radio station Arutz 7).
Minister Paritski (Shinui) said before the meeting, that he does not advise Eitam and Eilon to count on the pirate stations for support. " The economic oxygen pipe to the pirate stations should be disconnected " A frequency is a national asset that is sold. There are groups that are formed, and in the name of right wing or Ultra-religious orthodoxy, just blow raspberries at the law. Not only that, they take money from advertising in order to fund their activities. We owe it to the legal local commercial radio stations to put a stop to such acts."
As stated before, the law will go to the Knesset for its primary reading. To become law, it will have to pass the Primary reading, and 3 other readings. The right wing will try to muster all its power to try and block this law. Out of a 120 seat Knesset, the right wing and religious parties hold 69 seats.
More on the progression of this law when it happens.
Mike Brand
Israel
3:00:49 PM 
|
