On 30 March, the Israeli Knesset votes on a bill to impose the death penalty on Palestinian prisoners convicted of murdering Israelis. The bill has sparked heated debate among politicians and human rights activists.
Voting in the Knesset
On 30 March, the Israeli Knesset considers a bill that would introduce the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners convicted of murdering Israelis. The initiative belongs to the right-wing parties of the Prime Minister's coalition Binyamin Netanyahu.
The bill aims to increase the punishment for those convicted of terrorist attacks. If passed, it will be the first time the death penalty has been applied in Israel in decades.
Details of the draft law
The bill applies only to Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis for political reasons. It is supported by right-wing and religious factions that consider it necessary to deter attacks.
Left-wing politicians and human rights activists oppose it, arguing that it would raise human rights risks and possible international repercussions. The final decision on the law depends on the outcome of the Knesset vote.
Context.
The death penalty has not been applied in Israel since 1962, when Nazi Adolf Eichmann was executed. Today, the death penalty is only provided for particularly serious crimes, but is not used in practice.
Discussions on the death penalty have intensified amid rising tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. Human rights organisations are calling on the Knesset to reject the bill.
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