Overview
- Degel HaTorah’s MKs were told to oppose the bill after Rabbi Dov Landau warned of potential bloodshed and argued courts would not impose executions, calling the move provocation.
- Agudat Yisrael lawmakers are expected to skip the vote and Shas has not declared a position, leaving the coalition short of assured support.
- The proposal from Otzma Yehudit, backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would mandate death for certain terrorist murders and allow military courts to impose it by majority rather than unanimously, with no sentence mitigation.
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized Degel HaTorah’s stance and said he aims to fast-track committee work if the measure clears its first reading, while urging coalition and some opposition backing.
- The Choosing Life forum of bereaved families pressed for passage, Brig. Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch said returning living hostages changed his view in favor, and Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef’s earlier objections cited halachic issues and global risks.