Bill inspired by journalist-turned-politician requires anyone declaring intention to run for Knesset seat to report source of donations

The Knesset on Wednesday approved in second and third readings a bill forcing anyone who declares his intention to run for a Knesset seat to reveal the sources of their funding.

Thirty-two MKs voted in favor of the bill and 12 opposed. The bill is being backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and aims to block journalist Yair Lapid´s attempts to be elected to the Knesset in its current session.

"Lapid should have revealed his finances on his own initiative," said the bill´s initiator MK Yariv Levin. "Now that the bill has been approved the public can know the truth." Addressing the Knesset, MK Levin wondered what Lapid was hiding and why he refuses to "show us the money."

MK Dov Khanin (Hadash) said the bill harms Lapid´s right to elect and be elected and reflects badly on elected officials.

The bill has been revised following criticism by the Knesset´s legal advisor who claimed it was unconstitutional.

This is not the first bill the journalist has inspired. Last January, the Knesset froze discussion on a bill meant to ban journalists to run as Knesset candidates unless enough time has passed since they retired from their occupation in the media. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 03/21/12)