Cabinet Discusses Expanded Death Penalty Powers
During a recent security cabinet meeting on November 20, 2025, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reportedly stated that a Jewish individual working for Iran against the State of Israel could be executed under proposed death penalty legislation. The comment emerged during a discussion about a controversial bill aimed at expanding capital punishment for terrorism offenses.
According to leaked quotes from the meeting, Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel questioned whether 'Jewish citizens can also be executed,' to which National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded, 'Whoever acts against the existence of the Jewish people.' Smotrich then added, 'Yes, a Jew that acts on behalf of Iran against the State of Israel can be executed.'
Proposed Legislation Advances in Knesset
The proposed 'Death Penalty for Terrorists Law,' championed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and submitted by MK Limor Son Har-Melech of the Otzma Yehudit party, seeks to introduce a mandatory death penalty for killings committed with the intent to 'harm the State of Israel and the revival of the Jewish people in its land.' The bill passed its first reading in the Knesset on November 10, 2025, with a vote of 39 to 16. It will now proceed to the Knesset Committee on National Security for further review before its second and third readings.
A key feature of the legislation is its mandatory nature, which would remove judicial discretion and compel judges to impose the death sentence on those convicted under its provisions. Ben-Gvir has consistently advocated for the punishment to be mandatory. Reports suggest that executions under this bill would be carried out by lethal injection.
During the cabinet discussion, Shin Bet chief David Zini reportedly indicated that the death penalty could serve as a significant deterrent against attacks. A representative from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not oppose the measure but expressed a preference for it not to be a mandatory punishment.
Historical Context of Capital Punishment in Israel
Capital punishment is legally permissible in Israel but has been rarely applied throughout the nation's history. The state has carried out only one execution under its own law: that of Adolf Eichmann in 1962, who was convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity.
While the death penalty for murder was abolished in 1954, it was retained for severe offenses such as:
- War crimes
- Crimes against humanity
- Crimes against the Jewish people
- Treason
- Certain military offenses during wartime
Controversy and Future Steps
The proposed legislation has drawn criticism, with human rights organizations and some lawmakers arguing that it is discriminatory and primarily targets Palestinians. The bill's advancement reflects ongoing debates within Israel regarding national security and judicial powers. Its final passage would mark a significant shift in Israel's legal approach to capital punishment.
5 Comments
paracelsus
It's clear that betrayal to the state, especially with hostile powers like Iran, is a severe crime that warrants serious consequences. However, extending the death penalty, especially mandatorily, could lead to unintended and discriminatory applications.
anubis
Mandatory death penalty removes crucial judicial oversight. Unacceptable!
paracelsus
Deterring terrorism is a critical goal for any nation, but the irreversible nature of capital punishment demands extreme caution. The potential for error, even small, is too great to ignore.
anubis
While the intent to protect the Jewish people is valid, the specific wording and mandatory nature of this bill raise concerns about its potential to be used disproportionately. We need justice, but also fairness and a robust legal process.
Michelangelo
This is a dangerous, discriminatory law. A step backward for human rights.