Israel Passes Controversial Death Penalty Law Targeting Palestinian Attackers

Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has passed a controversial law approving the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis, a move that has sparked widespread international condemnation and legal challenges.

The legislation, approved by a 62–48 vote, makes execution; primarily by hanging the default punishment for Palestinians convicted of fatal attacks classified as terrorism, particularly in military courts operating in the occupied West Bank.

Under the new law, executions could be carried out within 90 days of sentencing, with limited room for judicial discretion and no guaranteed right to clemency. In rare “special circumstances,” courts may impose life imprisonment instead.

Although the law includes wording that could allow similar punishment for Israeli citizens, legal experts and critics argue it will primarily apply to Palestinians, as cases involving Jewish Israelis are typically handled in civilian courts under different legal frameworks.

The bill was championed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking a major political victory for Israel’s right-wing coalition.

The law has drawn sharp criticism from Palestinian leaders, human rights organisations, and several international actors, who describe it as discriminatory and a violation of international law.

Groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch argue that the measure disproportionately targets Palestinians and undermines due process, while European governments and United Nations experts have also condemned the move.

Within Israel, legal experts and civil rights organisations have filed petitions at the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the law, raising concerns about its constitutionality and potential global legal implications.

Israel has rarely used capital punishment, with its last execution carried out in 1962. The new law represents a significant shift in policy amid ongoing tensions and violence in the region.