12.05.2026 01:10
The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, has approved a controversial bill that allows Palestinians allegedly involved in the October 7, 2023, Al-Aqsa Flood Operation to be tried in special military courts and face the death penalty for certain charges. The legislation, supported by both the ruling coalition and the opposition in Israel, has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations, who argue it will create a separate judicial system for Palestinians.
The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, approved a controversial bill allowing Palestinians allegedly involved in the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation on October 7, 2023, to be tried in special military courts, with the possibility of the death penalty in certain cases. The bill passed with support from both the coalition and the opposition.
PASSED WITH 93 VOTES
According to The Times of Israel, in the final vote in the 120-seat Knesset plenum, 93 members voted in favor of the bill. There were no votes against or abstentions.
The bill was drafted by Simcha Rothman of the Religious Zionism Party, led by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Yulia Malinovsky of the Yisrael Beiteinu Party.
SPECIAL MILITARY COURT TO BE ESTABLISHED
Under the approved law, Palestinians allegedly involved in the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation will be tried not in regular criminal courts but in specially established military courts.
According to the bill, the courts will have the authority to modify certain standard rules of evidence and procedure. Most trial sessions will be recorded, and footage will be published on a special website.
DEATH PENALTY MAY BE IMPOSED
According to reports in the Israeli press, the law allows defendants to be tried on charges such as "genocide," "harming Israeli sovereignty," "aiding the enemy during wartime," and "terrorist offenses."
It was noted that the court could impose the death penalty on those found guilty under Israel's 1950 Genocide Prevention Law.
OUTRAGE OVER "MODERN-DAY NAZIS" REMARK
Opposition lawmaker Yulia Malinovsky of the Yisrael Beiteinu Party said during the debate, "These will be the trials of modern-day Nazis."
Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin, noting that political parties acted together despite the election atmosphere, said, "We found a way to unite at this moment."
CLAIMS OF 300 PALESTINIANS IN CUSTODY
The Israeli press reported that about 300 Palestinians allegedly involved in the October 7 events are being held in various detention centers.
It is stated that the law paves the way for these individuals to be tried in special courts.
OUTCRY FROM HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS
International human rights organizations and legal groups argue that the regulation directly targets Palestinians.
Following an appeal by Adalah, a legal organization operating in Israel, the Israeli Supreme Court had previously issued a temporary injunction regarding a similar death penalty law until May 24.