The Knesset Interior and Environment Committee has unanimously approved a series of regulations regarding cellular-phone radiation - most notably, that cellular antennas may not be placed on home roofs.
Antennas currently stationed on roofs and home porches may remain there until their five-year license expires, and will then not be renewable.
The new regulations also include rules for the range of permissible electromagnetic emissions exposure from various radiation sources, as well other related restrictions.
The Minister of the Environment will be authorized to approve home-based antennas in exceptional cases.
Cellular antennas have become something of a plague in many areas; in some areas, one antenna has been built for every eight households. Four cities - Jerusalem, Raanana, Ashdod and Herzliya - recently enacted regulations requiring permits for new antennas.
Committee Chairman Ophir Pines-Paz (Labor) said, "Finally, after more than 20 years, we have stipulated the necessary balance between economic interests and protection of public health. The public has the right to know that there is transparency and cooperation in the cellular field."
The cell phone companies say the new regulations will not protect the public from radiation, and will in fact increase the danger. They say they will be forced to build larger transmitters, which emit more radiation. In addition, the companies claim, it will restrict their ability to develop cellular infrastructures and improve cell-phone reception.
The cellular companies are considering taking the matter to court.