Israel's parliament approved legislation Monday making the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians convicted of deadly terror attacks in military courts. The Knesset passed the bill 62-48, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu casting his vote in favor.
The law mandates execution by hanging within 90 days for Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks deemed terrorism, with possible postponement up to 180 days. While the legislation technically applies to Jewish Israelis as well, execution would only occur where the attack's intention was to "negate the existence of the state of Israel" — making Palestinian defendants the primary targets in practice.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who spearheaded the legislation, wore a noose pin during the vote and celebrated the passage as historic. The far-right minister has made the death penalty a signature policy push, arguing it represents national strength and deterrence.
We made history!!! We promised. We delivered.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, National Security Minister — BBC
Supporters frame the law as necessary justice after years of prisoner releases that enabled repeat attacks. Limor Son-Har-Melech, whose husband was killed by Palestinian gunmen, argued one of his killers was later released and participated in the October 7, 2023 attacks.
The BBC frames the law as discriminatory and internationally condemned. It emphasizes European warnings about undermining democratic principles and quotes critics who call it unnecessary political theater.