Israel Passes Law Mandating Death Penalty for West Bank Palestinians
Key Takeaways
- Knesset approved a law making death penalty default for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks.
- Punishment prescribed as hanging for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks.
- European nations and rights groups condemned, warning it undermines international law and democracy.
Knesset Approves Death Penalty
Israel's Knesset passed a law mandating the death penalty for West Bank Palestinians convicted of carrying out deadly attacks.
The legislation makes hanging the default punishment and applies to military courts.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir celebrated with champagne.
Law Excludes Jewish Israelis
Experts noted the law almost certainly cannot be applied to Jewish extremists.
Palestinians in the West Bank are subject to military law.
The law closes off avenues for appeal or clemency for Palestinians.
Widespread Condemnation
Human rights groups condemned the law as racist.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called it a dangerous escalation.
The legislation comes amid a surge in Israeli military and settler attacks.
Execution Method and Process
Executions are to be carried out by hanging within 90 days of sentencing.
The death penalty will be implemented without unanimous judicial approval.
More on Gaza Genocide
Iran and Hezbollah Fire 85 Missiles at Haifa; Bazan Oil Refinery Hit Twice
30 sources compared
Houthi Rebels Fire Missiles at Israel, Opening New Front in Iran-Israel War
10 sources compared
Turkiye, Egypt, Pakistan Form Quartet to Mediate Israel-Iran Ceasefire
19 sources compared
Gaza Health Ministry Reports 72,278 Palestinians Killed, 172,013 Injured
11 sources compared