The Israeli Knesset approved in a first reading a bill allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners.
The bill passed late Monday by a vote of 39 in favor and 16 against out of 120 members, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority (KAN) reported.
During the session, a heated argument broke out between Arab lawmaker Ayman Odeh and far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, nearly escalating into a physical confrontation.
The legislation was proposed by Ben-Gvir’s far-right Jewish Power party, and before being brought to a vote, it was referred to Knesset committees for preparation ahead of its second and third readings, required for final approval.
Israel’s parliament has advanced a controversial bill that would allow the death penalty for ‘terrorists,’ seen as targeting Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis.
Far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was seen carrying sweets in the Knesset chamber after the vote. pic.twitter.com/9FsjiOnHUB
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The draft law stipulates that “any person who intentionally or through recklessness causes the death of an Israeli citizen, when motivated by racism, hatred, or intent to harm Israel, shall face the death penalty” and bars any reduction of the sentence once imposed.
Ben-Gvir celebrated the vote on the US social media company X’s platform, writing: “Jewish Power is making history. We promised and delivered. The death penalty law for terrorists has passed its first reading.”
Human rights groups have long condemned Ben-Gvir’s push for the law, warning that it targets Palestinians specifically and deepens systemic discrimination.
Resistance Groups Denounce Bill
Palestinian resistance groups denounced the bill, calling on international community to act on the issue.
Hamas said the Knesset move “is an extension of the racist and criminal approach of the Zionist government.”
In a statement on Tuesday, the resistance group called upon the international community “to condemn this dangerous racist legislation and impose deterrent sanctions on the rogue Zionist entity.”
For its part, the Islamic Jihad said in a statement: “Passing the bill to execute Palestinian prisoners is a dangerous escalation of criminal acts within a series of genocide and ethnic cleansing.”
Source: Israeli and Palestinian media (translated and edited by Al-Manar)
