Israel’s parliament is expected to vote this week on a bill that would expand the use of the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis in military court. The legislation, introduced by Israel’s far-right government and backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, aims to broaden capital punishment as a deterrent.
The bill proposes mandatory death sentences for certain offenses and is broadly popular, though critics argue it would diminish due process safeguards, including the possibility of a pardon. It is expected to pass in the Knesset.
Several European nations – Britain, France, Germany, and Italy – have voiced deep concern, citing the bill’s potentially discriminatory character and warning it unfairly targets Palestinians under military occupation. The Council of Europe’s rights body has also opposed the draft law, anticipating a significant broadening of capital punishment.