The Knesset approved for the first reading a bill that widens the definition of espionage. It has been dubbed the "Anat Kam bill" after a woman who is serving time for stealing classified documents and leaking them to a Haaretz reporter.
The bill adds a new offense to the criminal code: holding secret documents and passing them on to an unauthorized person without permission – without intent to cause harm to the state.
The maximum punishment for this offense would be 10 years in jail.
The current law does not provide a separate definition for espionage of this type that is carried out without intent to harm the state. Passing on classified documents to unauthorized people carries a 15 year maximum sentence.
The bill was authored by Kadima MK Otniel Schneller and Likud's Tzion Pinian. It also sets a seven year maximum sentence for an unauthorized person who held classified information and was aware of its status. In addition, an attempt to enter a restricted area will be punishable by 3 years in jail.
Tags:Anat Kam, Anat Kam Law
Sheet pan chimichurri cod with potatoes and squash
Arab worker allegedly beaten by Jewish gang
Jewish organization helps Syrians receive treatment in Israel
Azariya's sister hoping for fair trial