Ministers approve bill to put ISIS members in jail for five years

The bill comes after dozens of Israelis have joined rebel forces in Syria and the Islamic State.

By LAHAV HARKOV
An Islamic State fighter carries the group’s flag in Raqqa, north-central Syria. (photo credit: REUTERS)
An Islamic State fighter carries the group’s flag in Raqqa, north-central Syria.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
A bill making joining a foreign terrorist organization a felony carrying a five-year prison sentence cleared a hurdle toward becoming law Sunday, with the Ministerial Committee for Legislation voting in its favor.
Justice Minister Tzipi Livni brought the initiative to a ministerial vote, saying that "Israel, like any other country, has the right to defend itself against Islamic extremist terrorism."
According to Livni, that goal will be met by strong legislation and cooperation with Western and Arab countries to fight Muslim fundamentalism.
The bill states that foreign and defense ministers would decide which organizations fall under the law's jurisdiction, with approval from the Knesset Law, Constitution and Justice Committee.
The bill comes after dozens of Israelis joined rebel forces in Syria and the Islamic State, which Livni said could lead to terrorist activity in Israel.
Earlier this month an Israeli Arab youngster was reported killed in western Iraq while fighting for Islamic State.
Noam Amir contributed to this report.