Israel Passes Death Penalty Law for Palestinian Terror Convicts Israel's Knesset approved a controversial bill on March 30, 2026, making the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians convicted of deadly terrorist attacks in military courts. The measure, long pushed by far-right coalition partners, passed with 62 votes in favor and aims to deter lethal attacks against Israelis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voted in support after some provisions were softened to allow life imprisonment in special cases. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a key advocate, celebrated the vote, stating it delivers "justice for the murdered" and sends a clear message: "Whoever chooses terror chooses death." He appeared wearing a noose-shaped pin symbolizing the penalty of hanging, which would typically occur within 90 days of sentencing with limited clemency options. The law primarily targets non-Israeli citizens tried in West Bank military courts for attacks intended to harm Israel. Critics argue it is discriminatory, as it does not equally apply to Jewish Israelis convicted of similar crimes in civilian courts. While Israel abolished the general death penalty for murder in 1954 (with the sole post-trial execution being Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962), military courts have had the theoretical power to impose it but never carried out executions. Human rights groups, including the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, have filed appeals to the Supreme Court, calling the bill unconstitutional and an act of institutionalized discrimination. Palestinian leaders condemned it as a "war crime" that will not deter their struggle. Hamas and Islamic Jihad urged revenge attacks in response. Several European nations and UN experts also voiced concerns over its vague definitions and potential for misuse. Supporters view the legislation as a necessary response to ongoing terrorism and prisoner-swap threats. The bill takes effect soon but faces legal challenges that could block implementation. Key Takeaways Default Death Sentence: Hanging becomes the standard penalty for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks aimed at undermining Israel. Political Victory for Far-Right: The law fulfills a core demand of Netanyahu’s coalition allies amid heightened regional tensions. Strong Opposition: Rights organizations and international voices criticize it as discriminatory, with Supreme Court appeals likely to test its future. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-death-penalty-bill-palestinian-murder-convicts-faces-vote-2026-03-30/
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