Knesset approves first reading of bill allowing death penalty for Palestinian detainees
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The 'Israeli' Knesset on Monday evening passed in its first reading a controversial bill that would permit the death penalty for Palestinian detainees accused of “terrorism,” according to 'Israeli' authorities.
A Roya news correspondent reported that the measure secured support from 33 members of parliament, while 16 opposed it. The legislation now moves to further readings before potentially becoming law.
The legislation has gained fresh momentum following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s endorsement, after earlier hesitations over fears it could endanger 'Israeli' captives still held by Hamas in Gaza.
The proposed law, backed by Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit party, would allow courts to impose the death penalty on those convicted of carrying out what they called “nationalistically motivated murders” of 'Israeli' citizens. And it would not apply to 'Israelis' who kill Palestinians.
If approved in its preliminary reading, the measure would still need to pass three additional votes in the Knesset to become law. 'Israel' currently allows the death penalty only in exceptional cases, such as for Nazi war criminals, a punishment imposed just once in the country’s history, on Adolf Eichmann in 1962.
