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Israel approves death‑penalty law for Palestinian attackers, Ben‑Gvir celebrates

politicsMar 30, 2026380

Israel's Knesset passed a law making the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of certain lethal attacks. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir introduced the bill and celebrated its passage on the Knesset floor, toasting with champagne. The law reverses decades of near-abolition and marks a major legal and political shift. It will intensify tensions and raise human rights concerns internationally.

Key Highlights

Knesset made death penalty default for Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir introduced the bill and celebrated with champagne.
Law marks major legal shift, raising execution likelihood and international human rights alarm.