JERUSALEM – Israel’s parliament approved the first reading of a bill allowing the death penalty for acts of terrorism, drawing international criticism over potential discriminatory enforcement.
The vote took place on Monday in the 120-member Knesset, with 39 lawmakers supporting the bill and 16 opposing it. The legislation, introduced by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, targets individuals who kill Israelis with “racist” motives or intend to harm the State of Israel.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is aimed at curbing terrorism and serves as a strong deterrent. Ben-Gvir called the approval “making history” and emphasized its alignment with his Jewish Power party’s platform.
However, human rights organizations and international observers have raised serious concerns. Critics warn that the law would likely be applied mainly to Palestinians, while Jewish extremists attacking Palestinians would remain unaffected. Amnesty International’s Erika Guevara Rosas described the move as “a dangerous and dramatic step backwards” and a discriminatory form of “state-sanctioned killing, domination, and oppression.” She stressed that the death penalty should not be imposed under any circumstances.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the legislation “a new form of escalating Israeli extremism and criminality.” Palestinian groups condemned it as violating international law and reflecting “the ugly fascist face of the rogue Zionist occupation.”
Israel has rarely enforced the death penalty in its history, with Adolf Eichmann being the last person executed in 1962. Previous attempts to introduce similar laws failed, making this bill particularly significant.
The approval comes shortly after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza. Critics argue that the bill could undermine peace efforts, especially as reports of violence continue in Gaza and the West Bank. Currently, more than 10,000 Palestinians, including women and children, are held in Israeli prisons, raising concerns over the future application of the legislation.
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The new law is expected to face further debate in parliament before becoming official, while international observers continue to monitor its potential impact on human rights and the fight against terrorism.
