Self-defense bill for homeowners passes two readings in Knesset

B"H

This has been the law in the US for a long time, and it is about time it was the law in Israel. One must be afforded the right to protect themselves and their families against terrorists, robbers, and intruders of all types. There should be no question whether someone has the right to shoot someone breaking into their home or stealing their property.

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Last update - 14:35 11/06/2008
By Shahar Ilan, Haaretz Correspondent
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/991893.html


The Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee on Wednesday passed in its second and third readings a bill that would allow property owners to use deadly force against assailants who break into their homes, businesses or agricultural areas.

The law, called the "Shai Dromi law" is named after Negev sheep farmer Shai Dromi, who in January 2007 shot two trespassing Bedouin sheep thieves, killing one and wounding the other.

Dromi had reportedly suffered a series of burglaries before that night, and thieves had stolen a large deal of his farm equipment and reportedly poisoned a guard dog.

Under the extended version of the law, a person will not face criminal charges if he or she felt the use of deadly force was necessary to prevent a break in or in order to cause a burglar to leave the property.

The law will not be applied to circumstances in which the use of force was excessive or where the property owner provoked the trespass.

The bill was initiated by several MKs, including Yisrael Katz (Likud) and David Rotem and Yitzhak Ahranovitch of Yisrael Beitenu. It has also received wide-spread support from right-wing activists.