Israel’s parliament has approved new legislative amendments expanding the use of the death penalty, prompting strong criticism from Amnesty International and other human rights advocates. The law, referred to as the “Death Penalty for Terrorists,” broadens the scope of capital punishment and introduces new mechanisms for its application in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Critics argue that the move comes at a time when global trends are shifting toward abolishing the death penalty.
The legislation establishes two separate legal frameworks for applying capital punishment. In the occupied West Bank, military courts are now authorized to impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of acts defined as terrorism under Israeli law. These courts may only impose life sentences under unspecified exceptional circumstances, and individuals sentenced to death are not eligible for pardon. The defence minister also has discretion over whether cases are tried in military or civilian courts.
Within Israel and annexed East Jerusalem, civilian courts will have expanded authority to impose death sentences in cases where killings are deemed to have ideological intent against the state. Critics argue that this provision effectively targets Palestinians and raises concerns about discriminatory application of the law.
Human rights organizations have expressed alarm over the potential erosion of due process protections. Concerns include the high conviction rates in military courts, the limited safeguards for fair trials, and provisions allowing executions to take place within a relatively short timeframe after final rulings. These factors, they argue, increase the risk of arbitrary deprivation of life.
Amnesty International has called on Israeli authorities to immediately repeal the law, warning that its implementation could violate international human rights standards, including the right to life. The organization also urged the international community to apply pressure to prevent the use of capital punishment and to address broader concerns about legal and systemic inequalities in the region.
