Tel Aviv, March 31: Israel’s parliament has enacted a controversial law mandating the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks by military courts. This legislation was a key demand from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right allies.
The law has faced intense international criticism. Opponents label it discriminatory and unconstitutional, arguing that it establishes a separate legal framework based on identity and constitutes a serious violation of human rights.
Under the new law, Israeli citizens convicted of murder will only receive the death penalty if the act is deemed to be intended to “eliminate the existence of Israel.” Critics contend that this provision effectively ensures that the punishment will disproportionately target Palestinians while exempting Jewish Israelis accused of similar crimes.
Additionally, the law stipulates that the death penalty must be carried out within 90 days of sentencing, allowing for limited grounds for delay and no provision for clemency. Courts retain the option to impose life sentences, but this will only be permissible under special circumstances.
It is noteworthy that Israel abolished the death penalty for murder in 1954. The only execution following a civilian trial was that of Adolf Eichmann in 1962, a key figure involved in the Holocaust.
Although military courts in the occupied West Bank already had the authority to impose the death penalty on Palestinian convicts, such sentences had never been enforced.
The bill received strong backing from far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who drew attention by wearing a lapel pin shaped like a noose before the vote.
Following the bill’s passage, various opposition parties, including Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid, the Arab-majority Hadash-Ta’al, and the left-wing Democratic Party, alongside several human rights organizations, have expressed intentions to challenge the law in the Supreme Court.
According to Gilad Kariv, a member of the Knesset’s National Security Committee and one of the law’s staunchest critics, “This is an immoral law that contradicts the fundamental values of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state and the international laws that Israel has pledged to uphold.”
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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