Israel's parliament passed legislation Monday evening establishing the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism-related murders, marking a significant escalation in punishment that critics denounce as discriminatory and legally questionable.
The Knesset approved the measure by a vote of 62 to 48 after more than ten hours of debate. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the session personally to cast his vote in favor of the legislation, which was championed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The law creates a two-tiered system of justice. For Palestinians in the occupied West Bank tried by Israeli military courts, execution by hanging becomes the default sentence for murders classified as terrorism. Israeli citizens tried in civilian courts retain judicial discretion between death penalty and life imprisonment.
From today, every terrorist will know, and the whole world will know, that whoever takes a life, the State of Israel will take their life
Itamar Ben-Gvir, National Security Minister — CBC News
The legislation requires executions to occur within 90 days of sentencing, with possible extensions up to 180 days. It eliminates the previous requirement for unanimous judicial decisions, allowing death sentences by simple majority. Condemned prisoners will face strict isolation with limited family access.
Frames the law as discriminatory legislation driven by far-right leaders that specifically targets Palestinians. Emphasizes criticism from rights groups and the controversial nature of the measure.