In brief
Israel's parliament has taken a historic step by passing the first reading of a bill that proposes the death penalty for those classified as terrorists by the state. The far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, heralded the decision with celebratory gestures, indicating that it may disproportionately impact Palestinians involved in attacks against Israelis. Critics, including Palestinian human rights organizations, have condemned the bill, warning of potential retroactive applications and its implications for collective punishment. The bill requires further readings in the Knesset before it can become law.
Israel's parliament has passed the first reading of a bill proposing the death penalty for those it deems to be terrorists acting against the state - a requirement which means it is likely to be used only against Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks on Israelis.The far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir - whose Jewish Power party brought the vote - celebrated late on Monday by handing out sweets after the bill was approved in the 120-seat Knesset by 39 votes to 16.After the law is finally passed - terrorists will only be released to hell, he stated.The bill must pass two more readings before becoming law.In the same session, the Knesset also approved the first reading of another controversial bill allowing the Israeli government to close a foreign media outlet without court approval, related to previous actions against Al Jazeera.The introduction of the death penalty in Israel has historically been rare, used in only two instances since the country's creation in 1948. An amendment to the penal code driven by the Jewish Power party aims to serve as a deterrent against terrorism, specifying the death penalty for those convicted of racially motivated murder against the state.The proposed law has garnered significant backlash, particularly from Palestinian authorities, labeling it "a form of escalating Israeli extremism." It raises concerns over potential collective sentences targeting numerous individuals implicated in the recent violence.Ben-Gvir's push for the death penalty had faced resistance from previous Israeli leaders, who feared it would complicate hostage negotiations, a concern that has now diminished following the recent return of Israeli hostages.Opponents of the law highlight the troubling possibility of retroactive applications affecting hundreds of Palestinians.The situation continues to evolve, with further readings of the legislation pending in the Knesset.
