The Knesset approved one of Israel’s most controversial laws in recent years: 62 lawmakers voted for the measure introducing the death penalty for intentional murder committed during a terrorist act, 48 voted against, and one abstained. The law applies to cases heard by military courts in the West Bank, so in practice it is expected to affect Palestinians above all, even though the text does not say so explicitly.
Under the law, the punishment would be hanging. The sentence is to be carried out within 90 days after the law takes effect; the prime minister may seek a delay, but for no more than 180 days in total. Courts retain the power to replace execution with life imprisonment in “special circumstances,” though those circumstances are not defined.
The bill was introduced by Limor Son Har-Melech of the Otzma Yehudit party. It was backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who called the vote “a day of justice for the victims.” Debate on the proposal began in 2023, but after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, it was repeatedly delayed over concerns for Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
Israeli commentators and experts say the text is poorly drafted and legally vulnerable. Political scientist Mikhail Pellivert and Middle East expert Ksenia Svetlova believe the law will likely be challenged in the High Court of Justice and could be frozen or struck down. In their view, the measure is primarily political and its wording creates a de facto discriminatory effect.
Reaction abroad was also sharp. The European Commission condemned the law’s adoption, while earlier the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom had voiced concern over its “effectively discriminatory nature.” The United States said it respects Israel’s sovereign right to determine punishments, but expects any such steps to comply with fair trial guarantees.