Israel's parliament has passed a law approving the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks deemed to threaten Israel's existence. The measure, supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, faces harsh criticism from rights groups and the international community as discriminatory and inhumane.
The law mandates hanging as the default punishment for West Bank Palestinians convicted of nationalistic killings, while Israeli courts have the option to impose life imprisonment under 'special circumstances.' Critics argue that the legislation effectively targets Palestinian citizens, as it excludes Jewish perpetrators due to its specific language requiring intent to harm Israel.
Rights groups like the Association of Civil Rights in Israel have petitioned the country's highest court to challenge the law, claiming it conflicts with Israel's Basic Laws prohibiting arbitrary discrimination. International leaders, including those from Australia, Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, have urged Israel to abandon the legislation, calling it unethical and de facto discriminatory.
Though Israel technically retains the death penalty for certain offenses, it hasn't executed anyone since Adolf Eichmann in 1962.