Controversial Death Penalty Law Passed for Palestinians in Israel

Tue Mar 31 2026 16:49:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Israel's parliament has voted to impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of deadly terror attacks, igniting international concern and accusations of discrimination.

In a significant legislative move, the Israeli Knesset has passed a law that establishes the death penalty as the default punishment for Palestinians found guilty of lethal attacks deemed as terrorism. The controversial law has drawn criticism for potentially undermining democratic principles and for its apparent targeting of a specific demographic. Prominent figures, including Israeli officials and international observers, have expressed their concern over the implications of the law on human rights and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel's parliament has approved a law that would make the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians convicted of deadly terror attacks.

Critics have described the new law as discriminatory and several European nations warn it risks undermining democratic principles.

The new law passed its third and final reading in the Knesset by 62 votes to 48 on Monday, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voting in favour.

The bill stipulates that Palestinians convicted in Israeli military courts of carrying out deadly attacks deemed to be acts of terrorism would be executed by hanging within 90 days, with a possible postponement of up to 180 days.

Jewish Israelis could theoretically also face execution under the law, but this is unlikely as the death penalty would only apply if the intention was to negate the existence of the state of Israel.

The legislation was championed by the far-right, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir pushing for its adoption. Following the vote, Ben-Gvir asserted on X: We made history!!! We promised. We delivered.

Limor Son-Har-Melech, a member of Ben-Gvir's party and a survivor of a deadly attack, indicated during debates that the law is necessary, referencing instances of released attackers returning to violence.

Nonetheless, criticism has emerged from multiple quarters. Yair Golan, leader of the opposition Democrats party, cautioned that such a law might provoke international sanctions and deemed it an unnecessary measure that would not bolster Israel's security.

In the run-up to the vote, leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and Italy voiced their concerns, indicating that the law could undermine Israel's commitments to democratic norms.

The Palestinian Authority condemned the law, asserting it legitimizes extrajudicial killings, while Hamas warned the bill poses a direct threat to Palestinian lives.

Amnesty International condemned the legislation, arguing it grants Israel undue latitude in executing Palestinians while stripping away essential legal protections.

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel has initiated a petition against the law, describing it as unconstitutional and discriminatory, particularly for Palestinians in the West Bank.

Historically, Israel has only executed two individuals, the notable case being Nazi official Adolf Eichmann for his role in the Holocaust.