Israeli Knesset Passes Death Penalty Law Targeting Palestinians

The Israeli Knesset passed a death penalty law allowing execution of those defined as terrorists.

The law passed 62 to 48 and was introduced by far-right MPs in Netanyahu's coalition.

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Ben-Gvir celebrated on the Knesset floor with champagne.

The law applies almost exclusively to Palestinians and makes hanging the default.

The UN High Commissioner warned its application would constitute a war crime.

The law triggered outrage across the region and internationally.

Syrian protests mobilized thousands in solidarity with Palestinians.

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European countries condemned the law as undermining democratic principles.

Human rights groups within Israel filed petitions to the Supreme Court.

The Palestinian Authority denounced the law as legitimatizing extrajudicial executions.

The death penalty remains in Israeli law from British Mandate emergency regulations.

The last Israeli execution took place in 1962.

Palestinians in the occupied territories face military courts with different standards.

Human rights advocates warn the law deepens existing disparities.

It comes amid a war that has killed thousands of Palestinians and displaced over 1.2 million.

The law has raised questions about where executions would be carried out and retroactivity.

Supporters argue it increases deterrence.

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Critics warn it escalates violence and undermines peace.

The law solidifies the influence of the Israeli far right.

Ben-Gvir's celebratory champagne underscores the shift.