Jerusalem, Israel. Israel’s parliament passed a law making the death penalty a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks, fulfilling a pledge by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right allies.
Law’s provisions and application
The measure includes provisions requiring an execution by hanging within 90 days of sentencing, with some allowance for a delay, but it provides no right to clemency and includes the option of imposing a life imprisonment sentence instead of capital punishment.
Military courts in the West Bank can already impose a death sentence on Palestinian convicts but have never done so.
Background on Israel’s use of capital punishment
Israel abolished the death penalty for murder in 1954. The only person ever executed in Israel after a civilian trial was Adolf Eichmann, an architect of the Nazi Holocaust, in 1962.
International scrutiny and settler violence
The legislation has drawn international criticism of Israel, which is already under scrutiny for increasing violence by Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Political support and statements
The measure was promoted by Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right national security minister who has worn noose-shaped lapel pins in the run-up to the vote.
“This is a day of justice for the murdered, a day of deterrence for enemies,” Ben-Gvir said in parliament. “Whoever chooses terror chooses death.”
Palestinian condemnation and calls for retaliation
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the legislation as a breach of international law and a doomed bid meant to intimidate Palestinians.
“Such laws and measures will not break the will of the Palestinian people or undermine their steadfastness,” Abbas’ office said in a statement. “Nor will they deter them from continuing their legitimate struggle for freedom, independence, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad called on Palestinians to launch attacks in revenge for the law.
How do you think the new law will affect tensions between Israelis and Palestinians?