Israel's Knesset approves death penalty law for Palestinian prisoners

Israel's Knesset approved a controversial law Monday allowing the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners, with 62 lawmakers voting in favor, 47 against and one abstaining, according to an official Knesset voting record. A contentious bill introduced by the far-right Jewish Power party led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was approved in its second and third readings in the Knesset.

Netanyahu supports

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voted in favor of the bill, according to Israeli media. The bill passed its first reading in November. Critics say the bill's scope would, in practice, apply almost exclusively to Palestinian prisoners, raising concerns over discriminatory enforcement. The vote exposed sharp divisions between the ruling coalition and opposition, including Arab parties.

Vote breakdown

The 62 votes in favor came primarily from Likud, Shas, Otzma Yehudit, Religious Zionism, Yisrael Beiteinu, New Hope–United Right, and United Torah Judaism. The 47 votes against included Yesh Atid, Hadash-Ta'al, United Arab List (Ra'am), National Unity, The Democrats, and other opposition parties.

International criticism

The law is expected to draw sharp international condemnation. Human rights organizations have previously criticized Israel's military court system for Palestinians, which has a conviction rate of over 99%, and have warned that a death penalty law targeting Palestinian prisoners would violate international law.

Conflict context

1. The law's passage comes amid ongoing regional escalation following the US-Israeli offensive on Iran that began Feb. 28, which has killed over 1,340 people in Iran. Israel has also expanded its military operations in Lebanon, with over 1,200 killed since March 2, and continues daily ceasefire violations in Gaza.