The Israeli Knesset has passed in its first reading a controversial bill permitting the execution of Palestinian prisoners convicted of killing Israelis. The legislation, proposed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s far-right Jewish Power party, was approved late Monday by 39 votes to 16, according to Israel’s public broadcaster KAN.
A fierce exchange erupted during the session between Arab lawmaker Ayman Odeh and Ben-Gvir, nearly turning into a physical confrontation amid rising political tensions. The bill will now move to Knesset committees for preparation ahead of its second and third readings before potential final approval.
Under the proposed law, any individual found guilty of killing an Israeli citizen, motivated by hatred or intent to harm Israel, would face execution. The legislation explicitly forbids any commutation or reduction of the death sentence once imposed.
Ben-Gvir hailed the outcome on social media, declaring: “Jewish Power is making history. We promised and delivered. The death penalty law for terrorists has passed its first reading.”
Human rights organizations denounced the measure, warning that it institutionalises discrimination by targeting Palestinians and contradicts international human rights standards.
The bill’s approval arrives amid a backdrop of ongoing bloodshed in Gaza and escalating violence across the occupied West Bank, where Israeli operations have intensified since 2023.
Rights groups estimate that more than 10,000 Palestinians remain imprisoned in Israel, including women and minors. Many detainees reportedly endure harsh conditions, including torture, starvation, and medical neglect, leading to numerous deaths in custody.
Critics argue that the proposed law, far from ensuring justice, risks further inflaming tensions and eroding prospects for peace in a region already scarred by decades of conflict.