BREAKING: Heated confrontations erupted in the Knesset today as lawmakers approved a controversial bill that could extend the death penalty to terrorist murderers responsible for killing Israelis. The legislation, spearheaded by the opposition party Yisrael Beiteinu and supported by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, passed its initial reading with a vote of 36 to 16 in a nearly empty chamber.
This bill marks a significant escalation in Israel’s legal approach to terrorism, granting courts the discretion to impose capital punishment on perpetrators of attacks against Israeli citizens. While the death penalty exists under Israeli law, it has only been applied twice: first in 1948 with the execution of IDF officer Meir Tobianski, and later, in 1962, for Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann.
The vote’s outcome comes despite strong opposition from parties like Yesh Atid and Degel HaTorah, who pledged to vote against the bill. However, low attendance allowed it to advance. The bill still faces three further parliamentary stages before becoming law, but the atmosphere was charged, resulting in the ejection of three Arab-Israeli MKs from the chamber.
Tensions escalated when Ra’am MK Waleed Taha engaged in a fierce debate with coalition members, accusing Israel of civilian casualties in Gaza. Ayman Odeh, leader of Hadash-Ta’al, nearly clashed with Ben-Gvir, labeling him a “terrorist.” Ahmad Tibi, also of Odeh’s party, was similarly removed after a heated exchange with far-right MKs.
Ben-Gvir’s support is pivotal; he indicated he may withdraw coalition support if the bill fails. Previously reticent, Prime Minister Netanyahu reversed his stance following the recent Gaza ceasefire, now endorsing the bill. Ben-Gvir has called for even stricter measures, proposing that the death penalty should be mandatory for all terrorists.
The international community is closely monitoring this development. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese faced backlash for mischaracterizing the bill as a license to execute Palestinian hostages. Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, condemned her statements as disinformation, emphasizing that the real victims are the Israelis held by Hamas.
As this legislation progresses, it raises profound questions about justice, morality, and the future of Israeli law. The next steps in the Knesset will be crucial for determining the fate of this contentious proposal. Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this evolving story.
