Arabic version: الكنيست الإسرائيلي يتقدم بمشروع قانون لإعدام الفلسطينيين

The Israeli Knesset is pushing through a bill that, if passed, would allow the occupation authorities to legally execute Palestinians, a move that has drawn hardly any international attention but raises significant concerns for the Palestinian population. According to Al Jazeera, this legislation is tied to the coalition government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly pushed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has a history of advocating for severe measures against Palestinians.

The bill, which passed its first reading in November, includes provisions for executions to be carried out within 90 days of sentencing, without the possibility of appeal, and by hanging. Palestinians charged with planning attacks on Israelis would face the death penalty. Ben-Gvir has repeatedly called for the execution of Palestinians, most recently during his visit to Ofer Prison, where he filmed himself overseeing the abuse of detainees.

The international community’s historical neglect regarding Palestinian prisoners has allowed such extreme measures to gain traction. Many Palestinians currently face administrative detention without charges, and reports indicate a significant increase in abuses within Israeli prisons since October 7, 2023. The ongoing silence from global leaders regarding these violations raises questions about their commitment to human rights.

Critics argue that legalizing executions fits a broader pattern of systemic oppression against Palestinians, transforming them from an occupied people into perceived threats. The proposed bill could exacerbate fears among families of imprisoned Palestinians, especially with the potential for retroactive application, endangering many more individuals.

While some Israeli media reports suggest government pressure to reconsider the bill, the prospect remains that it will be enacted. The response from the international community has been tepid, with calls for restraint rather than concrete actions. Advocates argue that real change requires imposing sanctions on Israel and holding accountable those responsible for violations against Palestinians, rather than merely issuing statements of condemnation.