Israel legalises death penalty as far-right lawmakers applaud

With a grin of smug entitlement, Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right fascist minister, roams through the Israeli Knesset, handing out a tray of Arabic baklava to his Israeli counterparts. They toast to the passing of a law that grants legal cover for the execution of Palestinian detainees. The moment is nothing short of a public taunt — a brazen display of the dehumanisation of Palestinian lives.

On Monday, legislative branch of Israel’s government passed a bill in its first reading which legalises the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners.

The controversial legislation raises serious questions about the motives of its proponents, which Palestinian and Arab critics contend are primarily retributive.

The bill passed with 39 votes out of 120, while 16 voted against it, Israeli media sources, including the state broadcaster, reported.

During the session, a heated argument erupted between Arab MK Ayman Odeh and the fascist Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, nearly escalating into a physical altercation.

Israel’s far-right lobby makes gains

The bill originated from the far-right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, headed by Ben-Gvir. Days before its passage, the bill was sent to the relevant Knesset committee for review, bypassing the required second and third readings before being put to a vote.

The bill stipulates that the death penalty will apply to:

any person who intentionally or negligently causes the death of an Israeli citizen, and when the act is motivated by racism or hatred and intended to harm Israel.

Under the new law, death sentence cannot be reduced or repealed, and once imposed, are final.

Given Israel’s record of sweeping arrests of Palestinian activists and the endemic use of administrative detention, the risk is that the death penalty will be used to justify the murder of victims of injustice.

Two weeks ago, with the opening of the Knesset’s winter session, Ben-Gvir threatened that if the bill was not brought to a vote in the plenary session within three weeks, his party would not vote with the governing coalition.

Following the vote, Ben-Gvir wrote on his X (formerly twitter):

Otzma Yehudit is on its way to making history. We promised and we delivered. The death penalty law for terrorists has passed its first reading.

Legalising collective punishment

The extremist minister — himself the  subject of countless controversies for espousing racist and homophobic views — has repeatedly urged the government to approve a law that provides legal cover for the execution of Palestinian prisoners.

In recent months, detention conditions have worsened across Israel jails. This pattern forms a broader policy of repression and collective punishment.

Reports by international human rights organisations and observers, demonstrate that measures include the revocation of visitation rights, a reduction in food rations, and limitations on showering opportunities.

The passing of this legislation comes as Palestinians continue to endure the brutal consequences of Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza, since October 2023, and the senseless violence in the occupied West Bank, especially that perpetrated by settlers which has surged to record levels.

Featured image via Eye on Palestine