The law would also apply to Israeli citizens, but by defining the lethal attacks in question as those “negating Israel’s existence” it would be very unlikely that it would be used against Jewish Israelis, critics say.
The law, which passed late on Monday, is expected to be struck down by Israel’s Supreme Court following an appeal by rights groups as it has elements in breach of an international convention, Israeli legal experts said, adding it is unlikely that any executions will actually be carried out.
The UN rights chief on Tuesday said the legislation violated international humanitarian law.
In the West Bank city of Ramallah, the families of Palestinian prisoners held a protest on Tuesday where they called for the death penalty law to be repealed.
“I am afraid for my son and for all the prisoners. The news came down like a thunderbolt on the prisoners’ families,” said Maysoun Shawamreh, whose son, 29-year-old Mansour, has been imprisoned on attempted murder charges.
Abdel Fattah al-Himouni’s son Ahmed is in prison awaiting trial over a combined shooting and stabbing attack at a light-rail stop near Tel Aviv in October 2024.
He fears his son will now face the death penalty, if convicted, and voiced scepticism that he would face a fair trial.
“I appeal to human rights organisations to pressure the Israeli government so this law does not come into effect,” said al-Himouni. –Agencies
