UPDATE: The Knesset has just approved a highly controversial bill extending the death penalty to terrorist murderers, igniting heated debates and confrontations among lawmakers. This urgent development comes as the law, supported by opposition party Yisrael Beiteinu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, passed its first reading with a vote of 36 to 16 in a half-empty chamber.
The proposed legislation allows courts the discretion to impose capital punishment on individuals convicted of terrorist attacks that result in the deaths of Israelis. While the death penalty exists in Israeli law, it has only been applied twice: first in 1948 against IDF officer Meir Tobianski, and again in 1962 when Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann was executed.
This bill’s passage has significant implications, as it now advances to three additional parliamentary stages before becoming law. The atmosphere during the session was charged, leading to the ejection of three Arab-Israeli MKs. Ra’am MK Waleed Taha clashed verbally with coalition members, accusing Israel of civilian casualties in Gaza, while Hadash-Ta’al leader Ayman Odeh nearly came to blows with Ben-Gvir, labeling him a “terrorist.”
Following this altercation, Ahmad Tibi, also from Odeh’s party, was removed from the chamber after engaging in a shouting match with far-right MKs. The low attendance for the vote did not dampen the fervor of the debates, highlighting the contentious nature of the proposed law.
Ben-Gvir has indicated that he will push for more stringent measures, advocating for automatic death sentences for terrorist murderers, rather than leaving it to judicial discretion. “Every terrorist who goes out to murder must know that the death penalty will be imposed on him,” he stated during a Knesset National Security Committee meeting.
This legislation has drawn international attention, especially after UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese shared a mischaracterized post on social media, suggesting it would allow for the execution of Palestinian “hostages.” In response, Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, accused Albanese of spreading disinformation, asserting that the only hostages are Israelis held by Hamas.
As this bill progresses, the potential for widespread repercussions remains high. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who initially opposed the measure due to concerns about potential reprisals against Israelis, shifted his stance following a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
The atmosphere around this legislation is tense, with strong divides evident both within the Knesset and among the public. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the next parliamentary stages and the reactions that follow.
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