Israel’s Far-Right Lawmakers Push Death Penalty Bill for Terrorists

Right-wing lawmakers in Israel are advancing a controversial Bill aimed at imposing the death penalty on individuals convicted of terrorism. Critics argue that the legislation is likely to disproportionately impact Palestinian Arabs, as it specifically targets those who commit acts of violence against Jews. The proposed law stipulates that execution could occur within 90 days, without the option for appeal, for “anyone who kills Jews only because they are Jews.” This includes not only those who carry out attacks but also those who plan them or facilitate would-be assailants.

The execution would be conducted via lethal injection by the Israel Prison Service. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who leads the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, stated: “This is how we fight terror; this is how we create deterrence. Once the law is finally passed, terrorists will be released only to hell.”

Historically, capital punishment has been used only once in Israel’s legal system, specifically in the case of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann, executed in 1962. While it is technically permissible for cases of high treason and under certain martial law conditions, the current legal framework requires a unanimous decision from a panel of three judges, and its implementation remains unprecedented.

The proposal, which passed its initial reading in the Knesset last month with a vote of 39 in favor and 16 against, has faced significant criticism from various human rights organizations. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel has condemned the Bill as one that is “directed solely at Palestinian Arabs,” alleging that it represents a move towards a “racist legal system designed to advance selective, oppressive and biased enforcement.”

Additionally, Rabbis for Human Rights warned that even minor erosion of the sanctity of life could lead to broader devaluations of human life, potentially opening the door to capital punishment for political crimes and treason.

Efforts to implement the death penalty for terrorists encountered obstacles during the recent conflict in Gaza, as officials expressed concerns that such a move could hinder negotiations for the release of hostages held by Palestinian militants. Following the release of the last living hostages in October 2023, Ben-Gvir issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu: advance the legislation within three weeks or risk losing the support of his party in the coalition government. Netanyahu subsequently expressed support for the proposal.

The implications of this Bill extend beyond legal ramifications, as it raises significant ethical questions about the nature of justice in a deeply divided society. The debate continues to unfold as lawmakers and citizens alike grapple with the consequences of such a landmark change in policy.