31.03.2026 11:18
Israeli lawmakers brazenly celebrated the approval of a bill in the Israeli Knesset that allows the death penalty to be applied to Palestinian prisoners. After a confrontation with a security officer, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who left the plenary hall, celebrated the development, seen as a significant victory for the far-right in Israel, by distributing alcoholic beverages in the corridors of the parliament.
The acceptance of a controversial law in the Israeli Parliament, which establishes the imposition of death sentences in military courts for Palestinian prisoners convicted of deadly attacks under the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and foresees the execution to be carried out within 90 days in prisons, was brazenly celebrated by far-right lawmakers.
BEN-GVİR IN THE LEAD ROLE
The acceptance of the bill, which has been criticized for racism due to its provision of separate applications for Israeli citizens and Palestinians in the West Bank, was shamelessly celebrated by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, one of the law's biggest supporters, and accompanying lawmakers. After a scuffle with a security officer, Ben-Gvir, who stepped outside the general assembly hall, celebrated the development, seen as a significant victory for the far-right in Israel, by distributing alcoholic beverages in the corridors of the parliament.
EXECUTION TO BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN 90 DAYS
While 62 of the 120 members of the Israeli Parliament voted in favor of the controversial bill, 48 members opposed it. Other lawmakers either did not vote or abstained in the voting on the bill, which was accused of being racist as some parts only affected Palestinians. Under the law, Palestinians convicted of attacks targeting Israeli citizens in military courts in the occupied Palestinian territories, which resulted in death, will face the death penalty. An appeal can be made against the decision, but in the case of conviction, the death penalty will be executed by a prison officer within 90 days.
LAW WILL NOT BE APPLIED RETROACTIVELY
The law, which grants Israeli courts the authority to impose death or life imprisonment sentences on their own citizens, will not be applied retroactively and will only be valid for future convicts. In this context, individuals convicted of terrorism offenses against Israel in civil courts in Israel will also face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
The revised law, after prolonged discussions, foresees that judges will decide on the imposition of the death penalty or life imprisonment for convicts within the framework of decisions made by civil courts in Israel. On the other hand, when it comes to Palestinians in the West Bank, it is anticipated that the application of the death penalty will become a rule, except for certain appeal routes under the provisions of military courts.