Israel's Knesset Passes Death Penalty for Palestinians, Far-Right Jubilation
Key Takeaways
- Knesset approved death penalty for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks, by 62-48 with one abstention.
- The law would make the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians in deadly attacks.
- Rights groups and European governments condemned measure as discriminatory and a violation of international law.
Knesset Passes Death Penalty
Israel's Knesset passed a law making the death penalty the default punishment for Palestinians convicted of deadly terror attacks.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir celebrated with champagne.
The law stipulates executions will be carried out by hanging within 90 days, with no right to appeal.
Critics warned the legislation was inherently discriminatory.
Exclusive to Palestinians
The law effectively establishes the death penalty exclusively for Palestinians.
Human rights groups called it a stamp of approval on a policy of vengeance and racist violence.
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel filed an appeal with the Supreme Court.
Legal and International Pushback
Legal experts cautioned the law would likely be struck down or delayed.
“The Israeli Knesset approved on Monday evening, by a majority of 62 votes to 48 in opposition and one abstention, a law to execute Palestinian prisoners”
The Israeli military expressed concerns it could violate international law.
Israel’s national doctors’ union refused to carry out lethal injections.
Far-Right Drives Policy
The legislation marked the culmination of a yearslong drive by Israel's far-right.
The law does not apply retroactively to terrorists captured after October 7.
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