Israel’s Knesset approved a law allowing the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism, sparking international criticism and domestic opposition.
Law Details and Passage
The law stipulates the death penalty for individuals convicted of terrorism who intentionally harm a person with the intent to deny the existence of the State of Israel. The wording of the law effectively limits its application to Palestinians.
The bill passed with 62 votes in favor, 48 against, and 10 abstentions in the 120-member Knesset.
Expanded Powers for Courts
Proposed by the far-right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, the law allows courts to impose the death penalty even without a prosecution request and does not require unanimous agreement among judges.
Implementation and Procedures
The bill, initially passed in a first reading in November of last year, outlines a 90-day execution period following sentencing, with no appeals allowed, and execution by hanging carried out by a prison warden.
Palestinians accused of planning attacks or murdering Israelis will be eligible for the death penalty. Concerns have been raised about the potential for retroactive application to Palestinians already imprisoned.
Political Context and Key Figures
The death penalty law is a key component of the agreement that enabled the formation of Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government at the end of 2022. It was strongly advocated for by far-right Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Ben-Gvir, formerly associated with the Kach party (designated a terrorist organization), has a history of defending Jewish terrorists and expressing sympathy for Baruch Goldstein, who murdered 29 Palestinians in 1994.
Netanyahu’s Role and Opposition
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally participated in the plenary session and voted in favor of the law, a move that likely secured its passage after some parties indicated they would only support it with his direct involvement.
Benny Gantz and the Degel Hatorah faction voted against the bill, while Avi Maoz (Noam party) was absent. Opposition leader Jair Lapid denounced the law as a cynical political maneuver.
International and Human Rights Concerns
The proposed law has been criticized by foreign ministers from Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, who called for its withdrawal, citing concerns about its discriminatory nature and potential impact on Israel’s democratic commitments.
Palestinian officials have condemned the law as a new form of Israeli extremism. Human rights organizations report nearly 100 deaths in Israeli custody since October 7, 2023.
Israel has only carried out the death penalty twice since its founding in 1948, most recently in 1962 with the execution of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann.