Overview
- The bill would mandate capital punishment for murders of Israelis committed out of racist motives or intended to harm the State of Israel.
- A draft by Limor Son Har‑Melech would allow West Bank military courts to impose death sentences by simple majority and would end commanders’ authority to commute them.
- Critics, including opposition parties and some ultra‑Orthodox leaders, argue the measure would be discriminatory and would erode legal and religious safeguards.
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir celebrated the vote by handing out baklava and said the proposal delivers justice and deterrence.
- Israel abolished the death penalty for ordinary murder in 1954, and the last court‑ordered execution was of Adolf Eichmann in 1962.