Israel adopts new law to widen its struggle against terror

A bill expanding legal measures against terror was passed into law by the Knesset Wednesday, with 57 voting in favor and 16 opposed. The bill first presented by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked calls for harsher punishment for those who engage in terror and widens the definition of "an act of terror". The new law states that an accomplice will face the same punishment as a terrorist and a person who publicly expresses solidarity with a terrorist organization may face three years in prison. The police and the Shin Bet domestic security service are now able to hold terror suspects for 48 hours before they are brought before a judge and allowed to consult an attorney. The Shin Bet may henceforth conduct online surveillance of anyone suspected of terror-associated activity.