In brief
In a significant legislative move, Israel's parliament has passed the first reading of a bill that proposes the death penalty for individuals deemed terrorists, with implications likely aimed at Palestinians. This legislation is championed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and demonstrates rising tensions in Israeli-Palestinian relations amid ongoing conflicts. Critics express concern over potential human rights violations, emphasizing the bill's retrospective application could lead to collective sentences for detained Palestinians.
Israel's parliament has passed the first reading of a bill proposing the death penalty for those it deems to be terrorists acting against the state - a requirement which means it is likely to be used only against Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks on Israelis.
The far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir - whose Jewish Power party brought the vote - celebrated late on Monday by handing out sweets after the bill was approved in the 120-seat Knesset by 39 votes to 16.
After the law is finally passed - terrorists will only be released to hell, he said.
The bill must pass two more readings before becoming law.
In the same session, the Knesset also approved the first reading of another controversial bill allowing the Israeli government to close a foreign media outlet without court approval. That vote was 50 in favour and 41 against.
While the death penalty does exist for a small number of crimes in Israel, it has only been used twice since 1948 when the state was created. The last time was when the Nazi war criminal, Adolf Eichmann, was hanged in 1962, after a public trial.
Palestinian human rights organizations criticized the proposed law as a new form of escalating Israeli extremism and criminality against the Palestinian people.
This move is seen within the broader context of ongoing violence and hostile relations between Israel and the Palestinian territories. The implications of this bill may profoundly affect the lives of many detainees and further complicate an already tense political landscape.
