BREAKING: The Knesset has just advanced a highly contentious bill to impose the death penalty on terrorist murderers, igniting fierce debates and confrontations within the chamber. The initial approval was secured by a vote of 36 to 16 amidst a chaotic atmosphere, resulting in the ejection of three Arab-Israeli MKs.
This bill, championed by the opposition party Yisrael Beiteinu and backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, grants courts the authority to impose capital punishment on individuals convicted of terrorist attacks that result in Israeli fatalities. The Knesset’s decision comes as tensions remain high following ongoing violence in the region.
The death penalty is already part of Israeli law but has been infrequently applied, with only two executions in history: Meir Tobianski in 1948 and Adolf Eichmann in 1962. As this bill progresses, it will require three additional parliamentary approvals before becoming law.
Yesterday’s vote took place in a partly filled chamber, raising questions about its passage due to significant opposition from parties like Yesh Atid and Degel HaTorah, who vowed to vote against it. However, the coalition’s support and low attendance allowed it to sail through.
The atmosphere turned volatile as Waleed Taha, an MK from the Ra’am party, clashed with coalition members, accusing Israel of civilian casualties in Gaza. Tensions escalated further when Ayman Odeh, leader of Hadash-Ta’al, nearly fought with Ben-Gvir, labeling him a “terrorist.” Security had to intervene to remove Odeh, and shortly after, Ahmad Tibi was also ejected following a heated argument with far-right MKs.
This bill has drawn international scrutiny, particularly after Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur, mischaracterized it as a license to execute Palestinian “hostages.” In response, Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, condemned her statements as “pure disinformation,” asserting that the focus should remain on Israeli victims rather than misclassifying convicted terrorists.
As the Knesset prepares for the next stages of this legislation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who previously expressed reservations about potential backlash, now supports the measure following the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement. Ben-Gvir has pushed for the death penalty to be automatic for terrorist offenders, stating, “Every terrorist who goes out to murder must know that the death penalty will be imposed on him.”
The implications of this bill could reshape Israel’s legal landscape regarding terrorism and justice. Observers are keenly watching how public opinion and international response will evolve as the Knesset proceeds with the legislative process.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story. For more insights into Israeli politics and current events, sign up for our free Israel Briefing newsletter.
