Israeli Knesset passes death penalty law affecting West Bank military court cases

New Delhi/Tel Aviv: The Knesset on March 30, 2026, approved a law enabling courts to impose the death penalty in cases defined as severe acts of nationalistic violence, with primary application in military courts operating in the West Bank. The legislation passed by a vote reported as 62 in favor and 48 against, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voting in support.

The law sets out hanging as the method of execution and establishes a timeline for carrying out sentences within months of conviction, subject to limited exceptions. Legal observers note that while the statute formally applies under Israeli law, its practical effect centers on cases heard in military courts, which try Palestinian defendants from the West Bank. Israeli citizens and settlers are tried in civilian courts, where sentencing practices differ.

Minutes after the vote, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel filed a petition before Israel’s Supreme Court challenging the law. The group argues that the Knesset lacks authority to legislate capital punishment for populations under military jurisdiction in occupied territory and contends that the law creates unequal legal standards.

Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, raised concerns about fair trial protections, access to legal counsel, and the speed of the execution timeline outlined in the statute.

Public reaction within the chamber was visible during the vote. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wore a noose shaped pin and made remarks emphasizing deterrence. Reports from the session also described celebratory gestures following the bill’s passage.

Several foreign governments, including Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Australia, issued statements expressing concern that the measure could conflict with democratic standards and international legal norms.

Israel retains the death penalty in statute for a narrow set of crimes, including genocide and crimes against humanity, but it has been used only once. In 1962, Israel executed Nazi official Adolf Eichmann after his conviction for crimes committed during the Holocaust.

Military courts in the West Bank operate under a separate legal framework from Israel’s civilian judiciary. Palestinians in the territory are tried under military law, while Israeli settlers fall under civilian jurisdiction. This dual system has long been the subject of legal and diplomatic debate.

In parallel, a Knesset committee is examining proposals for a special tribunal to try individuals accused in the October 7, 2023 attacks, where capital punishment is also under discussion. That proposal remains a separate legislative track.

The Supreme Court is expected to review the petition filed against the new law in the coming weeks.