Israel's parliament, the Knesset, has approved a law imposing the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks, a move condemned by European nations and human rights groups as discriminatory. The legislation makes capital punishment the default sentence for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank found guilty by a military court of intentionally carrying out deadly acts deemed terrorism.
Under the new law, those sentenced to death will be held in isolation with no visitors except authorised personnel, and legal consultations will be conducted only via video link. Executions must be carried out within 90 days of sentencing. The measure allows military courts to impose the death penalty without a request from prosecutors and by a simple majority, rather than requiring unanimity. The defence minister may submit an opinion, but avenues for appeal or clemency are limited for Palestinians under occupation.
Israel has rarely used the death penalty, with the last execution being that of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a key proponent of the bill, has worn a noose-shaped lapel pin and suggested hanging, the electric chair, or 'euthanasia' as methods. The public broadcaster KAN reported that executions would be carried out by hanging.
The legislation, initiated by Ben-Gvir's far-right Otzma Yehudit party, has drawn criticism from military officials and ministries who warn it could breach international law and expose Israeli personnel to arrest abroad. Human rights groups in Israel have filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, which can still strike down the law. The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, condemned it as a breach of international law, while the EU and UN experts have also voiced opposition.
