JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, sent a recorded message to millions of Israelis on Tuesday following the approval of new legislation introducing a death penalty for certain terrorism offenses.

The audio message was distributed directly to citizens’ mobile phones. In it, Ben-Gvir said the measure had been formally adopted after passing in the Knesset.

Ben-Gvir said the legislation fulfills a political pledge and described it as a step aimed at strengthening deterrence and public safety. He also included a brief holiday greeting ahead of Passover.

The bill was advanced by members of Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit faction along with allies in the Likud party.

Israel has rarely implemented capital punishment, and the new law is likely to face legal and international scrutiny.