Web Desk: The Israeli parliament passed a landmark law on Monday evening that mandates the death penalty for Palestinians. The legislation, which passed with a 62–48 vote, marks a radical shift in Israel’s penal code and has already drawn fierce international condemnation.
The new law establishes death by hanging as the default sentence for those convicted of “intentional killing” categorized as an act of terrorism. Furthermore, the legislation prevents any future pardons or commutations, effectively ensuring that the sentences are final.
While military courts in the occupied West Bank previously held the authority to issue death sentences, they had never exercised it. However, this new law requires only a simple majority of judges to impose the penalty, rather than a unanimous decision. Under the guidelines, authorities must carry out executions within 90 days of a final court ruling.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir championed the bill as a necessary tool for deterrence. During the heated parliamentary session, Ben-Gvir described the law as a sign of national strength and justice for victims of violence. Nevertheless, opposition lawmakers and military officials warned that the measure could violate international law and exacerbate regional tensions.
Critics argue that the law is discriminatory because it focuses on offenses aimed at undermining the state. This distinction likely excludes Jewish Israelis convicted of similar nationalistic crimes against Palestinians. Consequently, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel has already petitioned the Supreme Court to strike down the law as unconstitutional.
The international community responded swiftly to the news. The European Union and several United Nations experts condemned the move, stating that capital punishment violates the fundamental right to life. In addition, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described the law as a “draconian” attempt to intimidate the Palestinian people.
The new policy may complicate future hostage negotiations or prisoner exchanges. Despite these concerns, supporters in the Knesset celebrated the vote as a fulfillment of a key campaign promise. As a result, the region now faces a new and volatile legal landscape that could lead to the first state executions in Israel since 1962.
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