'Israeli' Knesset paves way for 'death penalty law for Palestinian detainees'
The 'Israeli' Knesset National Security Committee on Sunday approved a bill that would impose the death penalty on Palestinian detainees, clearing the way for a first reading in the full plenum.
The move has sparked warnings from officials and human rights groups that the legislation could endanger the lives of 'Israeli' captives in Gaza and raise serious legal and ethical concerns.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s designated captive affairs official, Gal Hirsch, told the committee he had requested that the bill not be brought to a vote before the cabinet fully discusses the matter. Hirsch warned that advancing the measure prematurely could jeopardize ongoing captive negotiations.
“The mission is the return of the hostages, both the living and the fallen. I asked the prime minister that the issue being discussed today in the committee not be brought to the plenum before a thorough discussion is held in the cabinet, where I will be able to present the full picture and my own assessment,” Hirsch wrote in a post on X.
Although Netanyahu cannot legally block the vote, which is under the authority of Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Hirsch is reportedly hoping the prime minister will press for a delay to prevent the bill from moving forward immediately, according to "The Times of Israel".
“This discussion does not help us. I came here today to express my position, to disagree with the assessment of the minister and the committee chair, and to request nonetheless that this discussion not take place,” Hirsch said.
The bill, often referred to as the “prisoner death penalty law”, has been a longstanding goal of 'Israel’s' far-right, spearheaded by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. It was first proposed in 2022 and received preliminary approval by the Knesset in 2023.
Following Sunday’s committee vote, it is now set for a first reading in the Knesset plenum, before moving through two more readings to become law.
Palestinian groups immediately condemned the legislation. A joint statement from the Palestinian Prisoners’ Affairs Authority and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club described the law as “an attempt to legitimize crimes long carried out by the occupation against prisoners”.
“The occupation has carried out slow executions against hundreds of prisoners for decades. This new law is simply an attempt to codify those crimes under the guise of legality,” the statement said.
The groups added that the move comes during what they describe as “the bloodiest period in the history of the Palestinian prison movement”, with dozens of detainees killed due to deliberate neglect and abuse in 'Israeli' detention.
The statement also criticized the law for highlighting the failure of the international community, alleging that the legislation demonstrates 'Israel’s' sense that it operates above the law and beyond accountability.
The bill has faced opposition not only from Palestinian organizations but also from 'Israeli' officials concerned about the potential consequences for hostages in Gaza.
Hirsch has notably not joined Netanyahu or delegations of captive families traveling to the United States ahead of the UN General Assembly and the Prime Minister’s scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump, emphasizing the delicate balance between legal measures and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
