The Israeli Parliament (Knesset) has approved in its first reading a controversial bill introducing the death penalty for terrorists who kill Israeli citizens.
This was the first of three required votes before the bill can become law.
“We are on the right path to making history. Promise made, promise kept,” wrote National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on X (formerly Twitter). Ben-Gvir, a key figure in Israel’s far-right political movement, had earlier threatened to withdraw his support from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition if the bill was not brought to a vote in the Knesset.
A Law with Far-Reaching Implications
According to the proposed legislation, anyone who intentionally or negligently causes the death of an Israeli citizen due to racial motives or hatred toward the public, and with the intent to harm the State of Israel, would automatically receive the death penalty.
However, international media outlets have pointed out that the wording of the bill suggests that it would apply mainly to Palestinians who kill Israelis, while not extending equally to Israelis who kill Palestinians — raising serious concerns over discriminatory enforcement.
The Knesset’s National Security Committee defended the bill, claiming that its purpose is to “eradicate terrorism at its roots and create a strong deterrent.”
“Every terrorist ready to commit murder must know there is only one punishment: the death penalty,” declared Ben-Gvir.
A Divisive Step Amid Fragile Ceasefire
The approval comes at a time when the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, reached on October 10 under U.S. pressure, remains unstable. Despite international appeals for restraint, Israel’s far-right leadership appears determined to escalate punitive measures rather than pursue long-term peace or reconciliation.
Critics warn that this law could further inflame tensions, undermine human rights norms, and entrench the cycle of violence in the region — while offering little evidence that the death penalty truly deters terrorism.
