Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks face death penalty under new Israeli law

Israeli Parliament Passes Controversial Death Penalty Legislation

Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has finalized approval for a law that would impose the death penalty as the standard punishment for Palestinians found guilty of lethal attacks. The measure passed its third and final reading with a vote of 62 to 48 on Monday, supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Under the law, Palestinians convicted in military courts of carrying out “terrorist acts” would face execution by hanging within 90 days, with a potential delay of up to 180 days.

Law Faces Criticism Over Discrimination and Democratic Concerns

Opponents argue the law targets Palestinians specifically, describing it as discriminatory. Several European countries have raised alarms, warning that it risks eroding “democratic principles.” The legislation was championed by far-right factions, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir as its key proponent. After the vote, he celebrated on X: “We made history!!! We promised. We delivered.”

Supporters Cite Security Necessity, Opponents Call It Unwarranted

A party member of Ben-Gvir, Limor Son-Har-Melech, who survived a shooting in which her husband was killed, defended the law. She claimed it was vital to break a cycle of terror, citing how one of her husband’s killers was released and later participated in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. During the debate, she stated: “For years, we endured a cruel cycle of terror, imprisonment, release in reckless deals, and the return of these human monsters to murder Jews again.”

Opposition Warns of International Fallout

Yair Golan, leader of the opposition Democrats party, condemned the law, asserting it would provoke international sanctions. “The death penalty law for terrorists is an unnecessary piece of legislation designed to get Ben-Gvir more likes,” he said. “It does not contribute one ounce to Israel’s security.”

International and Palestinian Reactions

On the eve of the vote, the UK, France, Germany, and Italy voiced “deep concern,” fearing the bill might undermine Israel’s democratic commitments. The Palestinian Authority criticized the law as a move to “legitimize extrajudicial killing under legislative cover.” Meanwhile, Hamas stated that the approval of the bill “threatens the lives” of Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody, urging the global community to protect them.

Legal Challenge Looms

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel has already filed a petition against the law with the Supreme Court. The group argues the law is “unconstitutional, discriminatory by design, and—without legal authority—for West Bank Palestinians.” The court will now assess whether to address the challenge.

A Brief History of Executions in Israel

Israel has executed only two individuals in its history: one was the notorious Nazi official Adolf Eichmann, linked to the Holocaust, and the other remains unspecified. The new law could alter this precedent, potentially leading to more executions under Israeli military jurisdiction.