Former Netanyahu rival Tzipi Livni testifies in prime minister's Case 2000

• Published date: 20 March 2024
• Author: JERUSALEM POST STAFF
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

In her testimony, Livni stated, "Between the two of us [her and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu], there was maybe one word of the "Israel Hayom Law." Just before the session to pass the law, he called me to his office and informed me that the Knesset had agreed to bring the law to a free vote. As far as I am concerned, this was a complete surprise."

The "Israel Hayom Law," otherwise known by its legal name, the "Law for the Advancement and Protection of Print Journalism in Israel," would make it illegal to distribute a newspaper free of charge if it is a full-sized paper published six days a week. It received the more common name, "The Israel Hayom Law," because Israel Hayom is the only Hebrew daily paper that meets this specific requirement.

"As far as I was aware, Netanyahu was against the proposal of this law, and I assumed that he would propose an appeal even if it did pass," Livni said. "By allowing the law proposal to go to a free vote, he gave it the green light to go to a vote in the Knesset without the Prime Minister being able to intervene."

Livni denies that her firing was related to the "Israel Hayom Law"

Livni discussed the circumstances of her firing from Netanyahu's cabinet, which she claimed was also unrelated to the "Israel Hayom Law."

"I was...