Knesset Advances Controversial Death Penalty Bill for Terror-Related Offenses

Knesset Approves First Reading of Death Penalty Bill

Israel's parliament, the Knesset, has taken a preliminary step towards expanding the application of the death penalty, approving a controversial bill in its first reading on Monday, November 10, 2025. The proposed legislation, which passed with a vote of 39 in favor to 16 against, aims to introduce capital punishment for individuals convicted of terrorism against the state and those who kill Israelis. The bill now proceeds to parliamentary committees for further discussion before requiring second and third readings to become law.

Provisions and Proponents' Rationale

The bill, primarily championed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and his far-right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, targets individuals who murder Israeli citizens out of 'racist' or 'nationalistic' motives and 'with the aim of harming the State of Israel and the revival of the Jewish people in its land'. A key provision of the bill would allow military courts in the West Bank to impose the death penalty with a simple majority of judges, departing from the current requirement for unanimity, and would remove the authority of military commanders to commute such sentences.

Supporters of the bill, including Ben-Gvir, argue that it will serve as a crucial deterrent against terrorism and prevent future prisoner exchange deals. Ben-Gvir stated, 'Its purpose is to cut off terrorism at its root and create a heavy deterrent,' and that the law 'will make them think a thousand times before carrying out another October 7.'

Widespread Criticism and Human Rights Concerns

The advancement of the bill has elicited strong condemnation from various international and domestic bodies. Critics argue that the legislation is inherently discriminatory, likely to be applied disproportionately to Palestinians, and would not extend to Jewish extremists committing similar acts. Organizations such as Amnesty International, Euro-Med Monitor, and the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) have voiced concerns, stating that the bill violates human rights, international law, and Israel's own Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty.

Furthermore, UN experts have expressed 'grave concern,' highlighting that the proposed law could 'further entrench two classes of criminal law' and 'undermine the fundamental guarantees of international humanitarian and human rights law.' Opponents also contend that there is no evidence to suggest the death penalty acts as an effective deterrent for ideologically motivated terrorism and could potentially lead to an increase in terror attacks or encourage hostage-taking. Historically, Israel has rarely applied the death penalty, with the last execution being that of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

The bill's passage through its first reading marks a significant, though not final, step. It will now undergo review and potential amendments in parliamentary committees before facing a second and third vote in the Knesset plenum. The legislative process is unfolding amidst ongoing regional tensions and heightened international scrutiny of Israeli policies in the Palestinian territories.