Israel Parliament Passes Controversial Death Penalty Law Targeting Palestinians Convicted of Attacks
Israeli lawmakers have sparked widespread outrage after the Knesset approved a new law that introduces the death penalty for Palestinians found guilty of deadly attacks classified as terrorism.
The legislation passed on Monday with 62 votes in favor, 48 against, and one abstention in the 120-seat parliament. It is set to take effect within 30 days.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally supported and voted for the measure, which was also championed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Under the new rules, military courts in the occupied West Bank must impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of such offenses. Executions will be carried out by hanging. Prisoners sentenced to death will be held in separate facilities with strict conditions. Contact and visits will be limited to authorized personnel only. Meetings with lawyers will occur exclusively via video calls. Sentences must be carried out within 90 days of conviction.
The law applies specifically to Palestinians in the West Bank, who are tried in Israel's military court system. Israeli citizens, including settlers in the same territory, fall under civilian courts and are not subject to these provisions. Critics argue this setup creates a discriminatory two-tier legal system in the same geographic area.
The Palestinian Authority strongly condemned the move. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described it as evidence of the Israeli colonial system attempting to legitimize extrajudicial killing through legislation. The ministry called on the international community to cut ties with the Israeli Knesset, impose sanctions on its members, and withdraw Israel's membership from the Inter-Parliamentary Union and other global parliamentary bodies.
Human rights organizations have also voiced sharp criticism. Amnesty International stated that the law highlights the extent of Israel's dehumanization of Palestinians. The group noted that the legislation passed in the same month that Israeli military authorities dropped charges against soldiers accused of sexually assaulting a Palestinian detainee, a decision that was celebrated by the Prime Minister and several ministers.
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the law. The organization argued that it exceeds the Knesset's authority and causes irreversible harm to the rights to life, dignity, due process, and equality. The group highlighted particular concern over the 90-day timeframe for executions, which could prevent the correction of any wrongful convictions.
Several European governments expressed concern over the law's implications. Officials from France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom raised worries about its potential effects on justice and human rights standards.
Supporters of the legislation, including far-right elements in the government, have framed it as a necessary deterrent against terrorism and a step toward stronger security measures.
The development has intensified debates over legal equality, international law obligations in occupied territories, and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Legal experts warn that the measure could face further challenges in Israeli courts and draw additional scrutiny from global institutions.