In March of this year, Israel’s government passed a law that authorizes the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of fatal attacks categorized as terrorism against Israelis. The law, known as the Death Penalty for Terrorists Law, has garnered controversy and faces legal challenges due to being seen as inherently discriminatory and unjust towards Palestinians by human rights organizations and other critics.
Up to the law’s passing, Israel had rarely used the death penalty, with the last execution in the state taking place in 1962. However, this could soon change. Under the new law, Palestinians could face death by hanging for killings committed with the intention to “negate the existence of the State of Israel.”
Palestinians in the occupied West Bank will face the death penalty being the default punishment in many cases for a fatal “terrorism-related” offense. Furthermore, the law allows for courts to impose the death penalty through a majority decision, eliminating the country’s previous requirement for unanimity.
Far-right leader and National Security Minister Itamer Ben-Ghivir has endorsed the law, arguing that current terrorism laws in Israel are not strong enough and that it is necessary to prevent further “acts of terrorism.” Wearing a noose-shaped pin to reference the proposed method of execution under the death penalty, he emphasized his support for the law. “From today,” he said, “every terrorist in the whole world will know that whoever takes a life, the state of Israel will take their life.”
Several countries, along with prominent human right organizations, have condemned the law as prejudiced against Palestinians and a violation of international law. Critics argue that the structure of the law and ambiguity of how “terrorism” is defined would deliberately leave out Israelis who commit similar offenses.
Adam Coogle, the deputy Middle East director at the nonprofit organization Human Rights Watch, stated that it “entrenches discrimination and a two-tiered system of justice.” Additionally, the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described the law as “deeply discriminatory” and urged for it to be repealed.
Some Bishop O’Dowd students also criticize the law. Penelope Wong ‘27 highlighted the law’s discriminatory nature, stating that it “unilaterally targets Palestinians on the basis of race.”
Even after being passed, the law is expected to face legal challenges moving forward. Groups like the Association for Civil Rights in Israel have filed petitions encouraging Israel’s supreme court to repeal the law.
Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghout emphasized that Palestinians would continue fighting for equality despite the unjust nature of the law. “This will not deter Palestinians,” he said. “It will enhance their struggle for freedom from this oppressive system.”
