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Opponents of competition and free speech on the left and right are trying to destroy the popularity of the Yisrael Hayom newspaper.

The opposition factions in the Knesset have managed for their bill to pass its first reading (out of 3) — which outlaws free newspapers.

The primary reason for the bill is to target the center-right paper, “Yisrael Hayom” which is distributed for free, and has grown to become one of the most popular daily papers in Israel, if not the most popular.

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Yisrael Hayom is financed by Sheldon Adelson — an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist.

The opposition’s primary reason for the bill is to limit the success of a center-right newspaper which has been successful in shaping public opinion at the expense of the radical left newspaper Haaretz. The bill passed 43 to 23, with 9 abstentions.

Unconfirmed — Reportedly Prime Minister Netanyahu said in the Knesset today before the vote, “Now North Korea and Iran will come to Israel to learn how to shut down newspapers….” (I’m still looking for a source).

The bills needs to pass 2 more readings in the Knesset to become law.


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Jameel blogs at the Muqata: http://www.muqata.com, but these days extensively posts on Facebook. Follow Jameel at https://www.facebook.com/Muqata Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of The Jewish Press.