With the support of 46 lawmakers, the Knesset gave initial approval Nov. 27 to the so-called recommendations law, also dubbed “the bill to silence police.” Only 83 of the chamber’s 120 members took part, with 37 voting against the proposed legislation that appears designed to prevent police from making public its recommendations, based on lengthy criminal investigations, on whether to prosecute Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu’s associates reject claims that the bill was meant to buy time for the prime minister. The bill’s sponsor, Knesset member and Netanyahu stalwart David Amsalem, argued that the legislation was motivated by a desire to defend suspects’ rights, but the energetic advocacy of the bill by Netanyahu's close associates clearly indicates they are acting on his behalf. Amsalem and coalition chair David Bitan booted out Knesset member Benny Begin, the son of the late Likud Prime Minister Menachem Begin, from the Knesset’s Internal Affairs Committee for opposing the bill when it came up for debate. The Likud also threatened Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, the head of the coalition partner Kulanu, that if he didn't vote for the law the Likud would call early elections. Kahlon, as usual, gave in.
