Ben-Gvir celebrates controversial death penalty bill by handing out sweets in Knesset

Israel's parliament has advanced controversial legislation that would permit capital punishment for Palestinian prisoners convicted of lethal attacks against Israeli citizens.

The Knesset approved the bill in its initial reading late Monday, with 39 members voting in favor and 16 opposing the measure that was proposed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's far-right Jewish Power party.

Following the vote, Ben-Gvir was observed handing out sweets in the Knesset to celebrate this controversial bill.

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.”