The death penalty law passed by Israel’s parliament on Monday has triggered immediate legal and diplomatic backlash, with rights groups and several European governments warning that the measure is discriminatory and contrary to international law. The bill allows the execution of Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks under what critics say is a framework aimed overwhelmingly at one population.
The law passed with 62 votes in favor and 48 against. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voted for the measure, which was championed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. According to current reporting, the law makes the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of lethal attacks, though it still allows life imprisonment in some cases.
Death penalty law faces legal challenge
Israel’s leading civil rights group, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, said it filed a petition to the Supreme Court immediately after the law passed. The group asked the court to cancel the measure, which it described as unconstitutional and discriminatory. Other rights groups, including Adalah and B’Tselem, also condemned the law, arguing that it adds a new official mechanism of state killing and applies in a racially unequal manner.
The Palestinian Presidency called the law a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor and other advocacy groups said the bill fails basic fair trial standards and risks institutionalizing discrimination inside Israel’s legal system.
International concern grows
Britain, France, Germany and Italy had already expressed deep concern before the final vote, warning that the bill’s application appeared de facto discriminatory. The Council of Europe rights body also spoke out against the proposal. Their objections reflect a wider international trend away from capital punishment and toward tighter human rights scrutiny.
Israel has carried out only one execution in its history, the 1962 hanging of Adolf Eichmann. The new death penalty law therefore marks a sharp break with long-standing practice and is likely to deepen both legal confrontation at home and diplomatic criticism abroad.
