Summary
Israel's parliament has passed the first reading of a bill that would allow the death penalty for acts labeled as "terrorism." The bill, supported by Prime Minister Netanyahu's government, would apply primarily to those who kill Israelis with "racist" motives. It must pass two more readings before it can become law.
Key Facts
- Israel's parliament approved the initial stage of a bill for the death penalty in "terrorism" cases.
- The bill is backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Prime Minister Netanyahu's government.
- The proposed law would apply to individuals killing Israelis with the intention of harming the state and reviving Jewish people in their land.
- Critics argue the bill targets Arabs who kill Jews and not Jewish attackers on Palestinians.
- Historical attempts to introduce similar laws in Israel have not succeeded.
- Israel last carried out an execution in 1962 with Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann.
- The vote occurred during a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
- Human rights groups criticize the bill as discriminatory and a breach of international law.
