What's happened
Israeli lawmakers are advancing a bill that would impose the death penalty for killing Jews, with amendments proposing mandatory executions within 90 days and no appeals. The bill faces opposition from human rights groups and internal political divisions, amid ongoing tensions following recent Gaza conflict.
What's behind the headline?
The proposed amendments reveal a deliberate move by far-right factions to harden Israel’s stance on security and justice, especially against Palestinians. The bill's stipulation that executions be carried out within 90 days and without appeals indicates an intent to eliminate legal delays, raising serious human rights concerns. The political context shows a strategic effort by Otzma Yehudit and its allies to embed harsher punitive measures into Israeli law, leveraging recent conflicts to push this agenda. The opposition from legal experts and human rights organizations underscores the bill’s potential to undermine Israel’s legal standards and human dignity. If passed, the law will likely face judicial challenges, and its implementation could deepen societal divisions, especially between Jewish and Arab communities. The bill’s focus on Palestinians and exclusion of Jewish perpetrators highlights ongoing racial and political tensions, which could exacerbate internal conflicts and international criticism. The bill’s passage will depend heavily on coalition dynamics, with ultra-Orthodox opposition and legal hurdles likely to slow or block its enactment, but its current momentum signals a significant shift in Israel’s approach to security and justice policies.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that Committee Chair Tzvika Foghel proposed amendments to impose mandatory death sentences within 90 days, with no appeals or pardons, targeting those who kill Jews or plan attacks. Far-right Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has publicly supported the bill, dismissing opposition and calling opponents 'terror supporters.' The Times of Israel details the internal communications among Knesset members, revealing the bill’s controversial amendments and the opposition’s skepticism about its legal viability. Both sources highlight the political motivations behind the bill, with The Times emphasizing the delays and opposition from coalition members and legal experts, while The New Arab underscores the bill’s potential human rights violations and societal impact.
How we got here
The proposed death penalty bill has been pushed by far-right factions in Israel, notably Otzma Yehudit, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir. It follows a history of limited use of the death penalty in Israel, which has only been applied once in 1962. The bill's revival comes amid heightened tensions after the October 2023 Gaza war, where concerns about legal and political implications have delayed its passage. The bill aims to target Palestinians accused of killing Jews, but critics argue it excludes Israeli Jews accused of similar acts, reflecting deep political and racial divides.
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Otzma Yehudit (Hebrew: עָצְמָה יְהוּדִית, lit. 'Jewish Power' or 'Jewish Strength') is a far-right, ultranationalist, Kahanist, and anti-Arab political party in Israel. It is the ideological descendant of the outlawed Kach party.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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The Knesset is the unicameral national legislature of Israel. As the legislative branch of the Israeli government, the Knesset passes all laws, elects the President and Prime Minister, approves the cabinet, and supervises the work of the government.