Israel approves death penalty for deadly terrorist acts

Israel's parliament approved legislation Monday authorizing the death penalty for those convicted of deadly terrorist acts, with the Knesset voting 62 in favor, 48 against, and one abstention.

The law establishes capital punishment by hanging for individuals convicted of murder committed with the intent to deny the existence of the State of Israel. Under the legislation, military courts handling cases in the occupied West Bank are obligated to impose the death sentence, except in undefined exceptional circumstances. Ordinary courts trying Israeli citizens retain the discretion to impose life imprisonment instead.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the parliamentary session and voted in favor of the measure. The reform was championed by Itamar Ben Gvir, the ultranationalist minister of national security, whose party led the initiative.

The final text underwent revisions from the initial proposal, including the removal of certain clauses, partly under pressure from Netanyahu. The law permits courts to opt for life imprisonment in the presence of "special circumstances" or "particular reasons," preserving judicial discretion in sentencing decisions.

The legislation represents a significant departure from Israeli legal tradition. Israel has not applied capital punishment since the 1962 execution of Nazi leader Adolf Eichmann.

Human rights organizations have criticized the law, contending that its practical application will target Palestinians while Israeli Jewish citizens benefit from alternative sentencing options. The distinction in application between military courts in the West Bank and ordinary courts handling Israeli citizens has drawn particular scrutiny regarding equality before the law.