A controversial bill mandating the death penalty for terrorists moved a step closer to becoming law overnight after the Knesset’s National Security Committee approved it for its second and third readings, clearing more than 2,000 objections along the way.

The legislation, a central component of coalition agreements involving the Otzma Yehudit party, stipulates that a terrorist responsible for the killing of an Israeli civilian with intent to harm the state would be sentenced to death by hanging.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir welcomed the development, saying: “The death penalty law for terrorists is the most important law the Knesset has enacted in recent years, and it is meant to protect our children. With G-d’s help, we will fully implement this law and kill our enemies.”

Under the proposed law, a distinction is made between cases inside Israel’s pre-1967 borders and those in Judea and Samaria. In the latter, military courts would be authorized to impose the death penalty as the default sentence, unless special reasons are found to instead issue life imprisonment. Committee chairman MK Tzvika Fogel stressed the deterrent effect of the measure, stating: “The bill approved today is a significant step in restoring deterrence. Anyone who comes to murder Jews as an act of terror—his blood is on his own head.”

MK Limor Son Har-Melech added: “This law is uniquely Jewish and moral,” while MK Avichai Boaron said the Likud party is proud to be part of the initiative. Meanwhile, MK Oded Forer of Yisrael Beytenu called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show up for the decisive Knesset vote and not avoid taking a position.

Opposition lawmakers strongly criticized the legislation. MK Gilad Kariv described it as “a pathetic election campaign” and warned of serious consequences for Israel’s ability to negotiate future hostage deals. “This is an extreme bill with moral flaws and security foolishness that will only increase bargaining and revenge attacks,” Kariv said.

Legal advisers to the committee also raised concerns, including the absence of a mechanism for granting clemency, which they noted could conflict with international agreements.

Despite support from right-wing lawmakers, the bill is expected to face significant legal challenges, with Israel’s Supreme Court likely to have the final say on its constitutionality.

{Matzav.com}