Israeli parliament approves death penalty for specific militant convictions

On Monday, the Israeli Knesset passed legislation by 62 votes in favor to allow the death penalty for individuals convicted in military courts of deadly attacks committed with the intent to end Israel's existence. The bill, championed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, mandates that executions be carried out by hanging within 90 days of sentencing. While military courts in the West Bank previously possessed the legal authority to impose capital punishment, they have never utilized it since Israel abolished the death penalty for murder in 1954. The law prohibits clemency and provides for life imprisonment only under specific, undefined special circumstances. Critics, including international governments and rights organizations, argue the law is discriminatory, as it effectively targets Palestinians in West Bank military courts while excluding Jewish Israeli citizens who may commit similar offenses. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the move, describing it as a breach of international law and an ineffective attempt to intimidate the Palestinian people. Proponents of the measure, including Ben-Gvir, maintain that the law serves as a necessary deterrent against terrorism.