Israel Approves Death Penalty Bill For Palestinian Attack Convictions

[Mahmud]

Israel's parliament has approved a new bill that allows the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks. The decision was made on Monday, March 30, after lawmakers voted in support of the controversial legislation. The bill has already attracted strong criticism from human rights groups and legal experts who believe it may be discriminatory and unfair.

A total of 62 lawmakers, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, voted in favour of the bill, while 48 voted against it and one lawmaker abstained. The bill was strongly supported by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who celebrated the approval and described it as a historic achievement after the voting process ended.

Before the vote took place, Ben Gvir showed his support by wearing a lapel pin shaped like a noose, symbolising execution. After the bill was passed, he posted a message on social media saying that the government had fulfilled its promise. His action and statement sparked reactions from many people who believe the bill could increase tensions in the region.

According to the bill, Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank who are found guilty of deadly attacks described as terrorism by Israeli military courts will face the death penalty as the main punishment. However, the court may reduce the sentence to life imprisonment in special situations if necessary.

The bill also explains that Palestinians in the West Bank are usually tried in Israeli military courts, while Israeli citizens and residents, including Palestinians living in East Jerusalem, are tried in criminal courts. It further states that anyone who intentionally kills an Israeli citizen or resident with the aim of harming the State of Israel could face death by hanging or life imprisonment.

Human rights organizations have quickly challenged the new law in court, arguing that it creates unequal treatment between Palestinians and others. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel has already filed a petition at the Supreme Court, saying the law creates two separate legal systems and mainly targets Palestinians, which may go against Israel's Basic Laws that prohibit discrimination.

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