The commission noted that 39 out of 120 members of the Knesset (Israeli parliament) voted in favor of the bill, compared to 16 who opposed it, pointing out that during the session a heated argument broke out between Arab MK Ayman Odeh and the extremist Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, which almost escalated into a fight.
Before it was put to a vote in the first, second and third readings to become effective, the bill was referred a few days ago to specialized committees in the Knesset to prepare it for the vote.
The legislation was introduced by the far-right "Ostma Yehudit" (Jewish Power) party, headed by Ben-Gvir.
Before it was put to a vote in the first, second and third readings to become effective, the bill was referred a few days ago to specialized committees in the Knesset to prepare it for the vote.
The bill stipulates that "any person who intentionally or negligently causes the death of an Israeli citizen, and when the act is carried out with racist or hateful motives and to harm Israel, shall face the death penalty." It also stipulates that the sentence of anyone sentenced to death may not be commuted.
With the opening of the Knesset's winter session two weeks ago, Ben-Gvir threatened that if the law was not put to a vote in the plenary session within three weeks, his party would not be obligated to vote with the government coalition.
Following the vote in his favor, Ben-Gvir wrote in a post on his X platform account: "Otzma Yehudit is on its way to making history. We promised and we delivered. The death penalty law for terrorists was passed in its first reading."
On numerous occasions, the extremist minister Ben-Gvir called for the passage of a bill that would allow the execution of Palestinian prisoners in Tel Aviv prisons. Ben-Gvir also significantly worsened the conditions of detention for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons, amid escalating crimes against them and the denial of their rights.
Among the stricter measures are banning visits, reducing the food prisoners are allowed to receive, and reducing opportunities to shower in prison, according to these organizations.
The approval of the first reading of legislation to execute prisoners comes as Palestinians suffer the consequences of a genocide committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip for two years since October 8, 2023, in addition to a bloody and destructive aggression on the occupied West Bank.