In brief
In a significant development within Israeli politics, the Knesset has approved the initial reading of a bill permitting the death penalty for individuals deemed terrorists. This proposal, championed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, is believed to primarily target Palestinians convicted of attacks against Israelis. The bill awaits further readings and has drawn sharp criticism, notably for its potential to retroactively apply to past actions and its endorsement by the far-right political faction. Simultaneously, a controversial bill aimed at enhancing governmental control over foreign media outlets was also passed.
The Knesset, Israel's parliament, has moved forward with a bill proposing the death penalty for individuals classified as terrorists, following a first reading that culminated in a vote of 39 to 16. This legislation is primarily seen as targeting Palestinians who have been convicted of carrying out attacks against Israelis.
Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, a proponent of the bill, celebrated its approval by distributing sweets to members following the vote. He declared, 'After the law is finally passed - terrorists will only be released to hell.'
The bill needs to be approved in two more parliamentary readings to become law. If enacted, it will notably expand the scope of capital punishment in Israel, which has seen only a limited application in the past, with the last execution occurring in 1962.
In addition to the death penalty legislation, the Knesset also advanced another contentious bill that would grant government authorities the power to shut down foreign media operations without judicial oversight, effectively transitioning a temporary order concerning Al Jazeera into permanent law.
Palestinian authorities condemned the death penalty proposal, labeling it a manifestation of rising extremism and calling it a potential precursor for collective punishment against Palestinian individuals.
The far-right Jewish Power party, which backed the death penalty legislation, claims that the law intends to deter terrorism and emphasizes that the bill would broadly target acts motivated by racism or hostility towards Israel.
Opponents warn that the bill could lead to retroactive applications, potentially jeopardizing the lives of many Palestinians already imprisoned for past actions deemed terroristic under the new definitions.
Ben-Gvir’s push for this legislation comes in a shifting political landscape, where previously held concerns over hostage negotiations with Hamas have diminished following recent exchanges. This shift may reflect an increasing normalization of extremist measures within Israeli policy frameworks.
