Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, voted on November 10, 2025, to advance a bill that mandates the death penalty for terrorists convicted of killing Israeli citizens due to nationalist motives. Sponsored by Otzma Yehudit MK Limor Son Har-Melech, the measure passed its first reading with a 39-16 vote, sparking heated debates over deterrence, discrimination, and justice in a nation long scarred by terror attacks.
This development comes amid ongoing security tensions, including recent conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank. Supporters see it as a strong step to prevent future violence, while critics warn it could deepen divisions and invite international backlash.
Key Details of the Proposed Law
The bill targets murders driven by racism or aims to harm Israel’s existence and the Jewish people’s revival in their land. It requires civilian courts to impose death sentences without discretion and allows military courts in the West Bank to decide by simple majority instead of unanimous vote.
Military commanders would lose power to commute these sentences, closing loopholes that have allowed some convicts to escape full punishment. Three similar bills, including ones from Likud MK Nissim Vaturi and Yisrael Beytenu MK Oded Forer, also cleared their first readings with votes of 36-15 and 37-14.
Lawmakers debated late into the night, with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir celebrating by handing out baklava, a gesture mocking Palestinian celebrations after attacks. Ushers quickly stopped him, but the act highlighted the emotional stakes.
The law would not apply retroactively but aims to change how future cases are handled. Experts note it builds on existing laws that rarely use capital punishment, except in the 1962 execution of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann.
Supporters Push for Stronger Deterrence
Backers argue the bill is essential to deter terrorism, especially after the October 7, 2023, attacks that killed over 1,200 people and led to ongoing hostages crises. MK Son Har-Melech, whose husband was murdered in a 2003 terror attack, spoke passionately about preventing killers from returning to violence through prisoner swaps or lenient sentences.
She referenced cases where released terrorists committed more crimes, including some involved in recent events. “When a terrorist dies, he does not return to the circle of terror,” she said, emphasizing a shift from life imprisonment to final justice.
Ben Gvir echoed this, calling it a moral and security necessity. “Those who murdered, raped, and kidnapped do not deserve to see the light of day,” he stated. Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman supported it, saying terrorists must face death on the battlefield or in court.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who once opposed similar measures due to hostage negotiations, now backs it after recent releases. This change followed an ultimatum from Ben Gvir’s party, which threatened to withhold coalition votes.
- Deters future attacks by removing hope of release in deals.
- Ends taxpayer-funded prison stays for convicted killers.
- Aligns with public sentiment, as polls show growing support for harsher penalties post-2023 attacks.
Critics Warn of Discrimination and Risks
Opponents claim the bill discriminates, applying mainly to Arab perpetrators who target Jews, while potentially sparing Jewish extremists. The wording focuses on harms to Israel’s Jewish revival, raising fears it ignores violence against Arab Israelis.
MK Gilad Kariv from The Democrats argued it could increase terror attacks and draw global pressure, especially as Israel faces scrutiny over West Bank policies. Arab lawmakers like Ayman Odeh and Ahmad Tibi were ejected during heated exchanges, with Odeh calling Ben Gvir a terrorist.
Human rights groups, including the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, label it immoral and ineffective. They point to studies showing death penalties do not reduce crime rates and could violate Israel’s basic laws on human dignity.
A senior ultra-Orthodox leader, Rabbi Dov Lando, instructed his faction to vote against it, warning of potential bloodshed. Most opposition parties boycotted the vote, dismissing it as a political stunt.
International observers, including from the UN, have expressed concerns, linking it to broader tensions in the region.
Historical Context and Past Use
Israel has the death penalty on the books for treason and certain military crimes, but it has been used only once. The Eichmann case set a high bar, requiring unanimous judicial agreement.
Previous attempts to expand it failed, often due to fears of complicating hostage talks. In 2023, a similar bill passed an initial reading but stalled. Recent events, like the recovery of soldier Hadar Goldin’s body after 11 years in Gaza, have reignited debates on dealing with terrorists.
Globally, about 55 countries retain capital punishment, but many democracies have abolished it. Israel’s move contrasts with trends in Europe, where no EU nation uses it.
| Year | Key Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Adolf Eichmann executed | Only use of death penalty in Israel |
| 2003 | Son Har-Melech’s husband killed | Inspired current bill sponsor |
| 2023 | Initial bill reading | Passed 55-9 but did not advance |
| 2025 | First reading of new bill | Passed 39-16, advances to committee |
This table shows the rare application and evolving push for stricter measures.
Potential Impacts on Security and Society
If passed, the law could reshape Israel’s approach to terrorism, reducing prisoner exchanges that have freed thousands over decades. Supporters believe it would save lives by discouraging attacks, citing data from security experts that show released convicts often reoffend.
Critics fear it might fuel radicalization, making martyrs of executed terrorists and escalating violence. Legal experts predict court challenges, possibly reaching the Supreme Court on constitutional grounds.
In the broader context, this fits into 2025’s security landscape, with ongoing Gaza operations and Hezbollah threats in the north. Recent reports indicate Israel is pressing Lebanon to disarm militants, while aiming to counter Iranian influences.
Public opinion is divided, with a recent poll showing 60% support among Israelis for the death penalty in terror cases, up from 45% in 2020. However, among Arab citizens, approval is under 10%.
The bill now heads to committee for refinements before final readings. Analysts expect intense lobbying, with possible amendments to address discrimination concerns.
As this story unfolds, it raises deep questions about justice, security, and equality in a divided region. Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word on social media to join the conversation.
