Overview

• The National Security Committee held a heated session as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir pressed ahead despite requests from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s associates to postpone.
• Government hostages coordinator Gal Hirsch opposed the timing, saying 48 people remain captive from October 7 with about 20 believed alive and two in critical danger.
• Committee chair Tzvika Fogel rejected security assessments and framed the legislation as a matter of justice rather than revenge.
• The draft mandates execution for terrorist murders driven by racism or hostility and intended to harm Israel and Jewish continuity, allows judge majorities to impose death, and bars commutation once final.
• Coverage differed on the procedural step, with Israel National News saying the panel approved a first reading and other outlets reporting a vote to advance the measure for further Knesset consideration.