Ministerial Committee Approves Expansion of Counter-Terrorism Law

The Ministerial Committee on Legislation gave its approval today (Sunday) for the expansion of the Counter-Terrorism Law, allowing the declaration of individuals as terrorists and for more effectively combatting the transfer of funds for terrorism.

According to a statement by Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as part of the struggle against terrorism and the war against Hamas, the Counter-Terrorism Law would be amended, such that the Defense Minister can declare individuals to be terror activists, as opposed to the current situation where only terror organizations can be declared and legally designated and sanctioned.

Amendment Will Allow More Effective Combatting of Recruitment Channels

The offices of both ministers argue that the main purpose of the amendment is to interdict pathways to funding terror activists in the various organizations, and especially the Hamas organization, pathways which largely rely on money exchanges conducted by terror activists conducted throughout the Middle East.

They also stated that the amended law would strengthen the administrative means the government can use against terrorist organizations and activists and allow for more effective disruption of recruitment channels, as well as the raising and transfer of funds for terror purposes.

According to the two ministers, the imposition of financial sanctions on terror organizations and activists as part of the effort of the Economic Warfare Against Terror Division in the Defense Ministry has proved both efficient and effective.