Israel’s parliament has passed a law making the death penalty a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military court of deadly attacks. The law, approved by a 62-48 vote, marks a significant shift in Israel’s approach to handling Palestinian militants. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government argues the law will serve as a deterrent against future attacks, while critics claim it is discriminatory and targets Palestinians unfairly.
The law allows for the death penalty to be imposed on Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis, with judges retaining the authority to opt for life imprisonment instead. Executions would be carried out by hanging within 90 days of sentencing. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, condemn the law, citing concerns over its impact on Palestinians and the lack of evidence that the death penalty deters crime.
The international community has also expressed concern, with the European Union, Germany, France, Italy, and Britain criticizing the law as discriminatory and potentially undermining Israel’s democratic principles.
