URGENT UPDATE: The Knesset has just advanced a highly controversial bill that could extend the death penalty to terrorist murderers, igniting heated confrontations among lawmakers. The initial vote, held on October 24, 2023, resulted in a 36 to 16 approval, despite a notably low attendance.
The bill, sponsored by the opposition party Yisrael Beiteinu and backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, grants courts the power to impose capital punishment on individuals convicted of terrorist attacks resulting in Israeli fatalities. This move marks a significant shift in Israeli law, which has historically enforced the death penalty only twice—first in 1948 with the execution of IDF officer Meir Tobianski and later in 1962 with Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann.
Despite previous doubts about its passage, the bill has gained momentum due to coalition support. The atmosphere during the voting was charged; three Arab-Israeli MKs were ejected from the chamber amid a verbal altercation. Ra’am MK Waleed Taha clashed with coalition members, accusing Israel of civilian casualties in Gaza. Tensions escalated further when Ayman Odeh, leader of Hadash-Ta’al, nearly came to blows with Ben-Gvir, labeling him a “terrorist.”
This bill is poised to progress through three additional parliamentary stages before becoming law. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who previously opposed the legislation due to concerns over potential backlash against Israelis, has shifted his stance following a recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Ben-Gvir has proposed making the death sentence automatic for terrorist murderers, stating, “Every terrorist who goes out to murder must know that the death penalty will be imposed on him.”
The bill has drawn international scrutiny, particularly after UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese mischaracterized it online, suggesting it allows for the execution of Palestinian “hostages.” In response, Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, condemned her remarks as disinformation, emphasizing that the true hostages are the Israelis killed or held by Hamas.
As the situation unfolds, observers are closely monitoring the next steps in this contentious legislative process. This bill is not just a legal matter; it has profound implications for Israeli society and its ongoing conflict in the region.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. For more Israel news, consider signing up for our free Israel Briefing newsletter.
