Israel’s parliament has passed the first reading of a controversial bill allowing the death penalty for those convicted of committing acts of “terrorism.” The move, led by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has sparked international criticism over concerns of discrimination and human rights violations.
The bill passed in the Knesset on Monday with 39 votes in favor and 16 against. It seeks to permit Israeli courts to impose the death penalty on individuals who kill Israelis with what the bill describes as “racist” motives or intent to harm the State of Israel or the Jewish people.
Supporters of the proposal claim the new law would serve as a deterrent against terrorism. Ben-Gvir called the approval a “historic moment,” aligning it with his Jewish Power party’s campaign promise to take tougher measures against attackers.
However, the legislation has drawn heavy backlash from human rights organizations and international observers. Critics argue the law would be applied almost exclusively against Palestinians, while Jewish perpetrators of violence would likely face lighter penalties.
Amnesty International’s Erika Guevara Rosas said the proposal represents “a dangerous and dramatic step backwards,” warning that it would institutionalize discrimination and state violence. She reiterated that the death penalty should not be used under any circumstances.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the bill, calling it “a new escalation of Israeli extremism and criminality.” Palestinian factions said the move exposes “the racist and oppressive nature of the occupation,” warning it could further inflame tensions in the region.
Israel has only carried out one execution in its history—that of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962. Past efforts to introduce similar legislation have failed, making this development particularly significant.
The vote comes shortly after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza aimed at ending Israeli military operations. Observers fear that the bill could worsen instability, especially as violence continues in parts of Gaza and the West Bank.
Currently, more than 10,000 Palestinians are detained in Israeli prisons, raising serious questions about how the new law could be applied if fully enacted.
