Israel passes first reading of bill proposing death penalty for people it deems terrorists
Summary
Israel's parliament has passed the first reading of a bill that proposes the death penalty for people it calls terrorists, likely focusing on Palestinians convicted of deadly acts against Israelis. The bill needs two more readings to become law. A different bill also moved forward, giving the government power to shut down foreign media outlets.Key Facts
- Israel's parliament approved the first reading of a bill allowing the death penalty for those deemed terrorists by a 39 to 16 vote.
- The proposed law is expected to mainly apply to Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks on Israelis.
- The death penalty exists in Israel but has been used only twice, last in 1962.
- The same parliamentary session passed a first reading of a bill to close foreign media outlets without court approval, with a 50 to 41 vote.
- The Palestinian Authority criticized the proposed death penalty law, describing it as Israeli extremism against Palestinians.
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who supports the bill, celebrated its initial approval.
- Critics fear the bill could complicate negotiations involving Israeli hostages held by Hamas, but these concerns have lessened after recent prisoner exchanges.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.