Israel's parliament passed legislation Monday making the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks in military courts, fulfilling a key demand of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners.
The law passed by a vote of 62 to 48, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir — who wore noose-shaped lapel pins before the vote — championing the measure. The legislation mandates execution by hanging within 90 days of sentencing for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank found guilty of killing Israelis in what military courts deem terrorist acts.
Military courts in the West Bank try only Palestinians, not Israeli settlers, creating what critics call a discriminatory dual legal system. Under the new law, these courts can reduce sentences to life imprisonment only under "special circumstances." Meanwhile, Israeli civilian courts — which try Israeli citizens including Palestinian citizens — may choose between death or life imprisonment for similar crimes.
We have made history. Any terrorist who goes out to kill should know - he will be sent to the gallows
Itamar Ben-Gvir, National Security Minister — Sky News
International allies immediately condemned the legislation. Germany, France, Italy and Britain issued a joint statement calling the law "de facto discriminatory" and warning it "risks undermining Israel's commitments to democratic principles." The four nations described capital punishment as "an inhumane and degrading form of punishment without any deterrent effect."
Sky News frames the law as controversial and discriminatory, emphasizing international condemnation and concerns about democratic principles. The outlet highlights the racist nature of the legislation and its potential for extrajudicial killings.