The Israeli Knesset’s National Security Committee has approved a bill to impose the death penalty on Palestinian detainees and prisoners, pushed by Minister of National Security Itamar Ben‑Gvir, moving it to a final vote next week.

The bill originates from the Otzma Yehudit party, led by Minister of National Security Itamar Ben‑Gvir, who stated that the revised version removes the authority of the government’s legal adviser.

This amendment gives courts greater power to impose death sentences against Palestinians accused of attacks classified as “nationalist or security‑related.” Notably, this law does not apply to Jewish suspects accused of killing Palestinians.

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According to information disseminated by Israeli media, courts will be able to issue a death sentence even if the prosecution does not request it. Moreover, a unanimous decision by the judges will not be required; a simple majority will suffice to approve the sentence.

Legislators introduced recent amendments following pressure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had previously warned that the earlier version exceeded the death penalty standards of other countries and could expose Israel to diplomatic and legal challenges.

The bill stipulates that executions would be carried out by hanging. A prison guard, appointed by the commissioner of the Israel Prison Service, would be responsible for carrying out the sentence. Authorities would keep the identity of those involved secret and grant them full legal immunity.

Additionally, the regulations indicate that detainees would be placed in separate detention centers. Officials would restrict visits only to authorized persons, and lawyers would communicate with prisoners and detainees via video calls rather than in‑person meetings.

The law also establishes a period of up to 90 days to carry out executions after sentencing, with the assistance of a prison director, a judicial representative, an official observer, and a family representative.

The latest draft removes references to prosecuting those involved in the October 7 events. However, it expands the powers of prosecutors and introduces stricter rules, especially in the occupied West Bank, where the death penalty could become mandatory in certain cases.

Zionsit Minister Ben‑Gvir has long been an advocate of executing Palestinian prisoners. His ministry has already toughened detention conditions amid growing reports from human rights organizations of abuse, torture, and denial of fundamental rights.

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