As global debates on justice and human rights intensify, Israel’s parliament has recently taken a controversial step by passing a bill aimed at introducing the death penalty for acts labeled as terrorism. Proponents argue that the bill, propelled by far-right Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, seeks to establish a proactive stance against violence, while critics contend that the legislation disproportionately targets Arabs, raising significant concerns over systemic discrimination and human rights implications. This development unfolds against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, further complicating already fraught dynamics.
On November 11, 2025, Israel’s Knesset, the country’s parliament, conducted the first reading of a bill that aims to implement the death penalty for individuals convicted of “terrorism.” The proposal, championed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, received approval from 39 members in the 120-seat legislature, illustrating the backing of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration.
The amendment to the penal code specifies that the death penalty would be imposed on those who commit acts of violence against Israelis driven by “racist” motives, particularly targeting those purportedly intending to harm the state of Israel and threaten the Jewish people’s revival in their homeland, as reported by ZezapTV. Critics of the legislation argue that its wording suggests it would predominantly affect Arabs accused of killing Jews, while Jewish extremists who commit violence against Palestinians would likely evade similar repercussions.
This isn’t the first time the issue has surfaced; previous attempts to pass similar legislation have faltered. Nonetheless, the current bill must successfully clear a second and third reading before it can be enacted into law. In a statement that accompanies the proposal, the National Security Committee expressed that the bill’s primary objective is to “cut off terrorism at its root and establish a strong deterrent.”
Following the legislative vote, Ben-Gvir proudly declared on social media that his Jewish Power party is “making history.” The announcement, however, has provoked condemnation from human rights organizations that argue such measures would further entrench systemic discrimination against Palestinians, amplifying their concerns regarding Israel’s human rights record.
Although the death penalty is sanctioned for a limited range of offenses in Israel, the nation has, in practice, adopted an abolitionist stance. The last execution in Israel occurred in 1962 when Nazi figure Adolf Eichmann was put to death.
This parliamentary vote comes amid a U.S.-mediated ceasefire aimed at resolving ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which began just last month. Yet, accusations have arisen that Israeli forces are breaching this ceasefire, continuing attacks in Gaza while settlers and the military engage in lethal assaults in the occupied West Bank.
In reaction to the bill’s passage, the Palestinian group released a statement condemning the proposed law as “a reflection of the extremist nature of the Zionist occupation” and a clear violation of international law. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized it as an escalation of Israeli extremism that further threatens the rights of the Palestinian people.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is pertinent to note that over 10,000 Palestinians, including women and children, are currently imprisoned in Israel, with numerous reports alleging torture, starvation, and inadequate medical care, resulting in the deaths of several detainees. #PoliticsNews #MiddleEastNews