
Red Jumpsuits and Special Wing: Plan Advances to Implement Death Penalty for Terrorists
Following the Knesset’s approval of the death penalty law for terrorists, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir held a high-level meeting with senior Israel Prison Service officials to begin preparing for how the law will be implemented.
According to sources, the meeting — attended by Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi, Deputy Commissioner Hatem Azam, who is expected to oversee the implementation, and other senior officials — focused on initial preparations, even though it may take several months before the law is carried out in practice.
Among the proposals discussed were creating a dedicated facility in central Israel for inmates sentenced to death, requiring them to wear red jumpsuits, and building specific infrastructure for executions. The plan includes carrying out executions by hanging, along with constructing a designated structure for that purpose.
Ben Gvir reportedly stated that any necessary funding would be provided to the prison service and emphasized his desire to move forward with the process as quickly as possible.
Prison Service spokesperson Zivon Freidin, a deputy commissioner involved in the designated team, outlined the emerging plan. “The minister of national security held a discussion with the commissioner and the deputy commissioner who is leading the staff work. A team has been established with a formal mandate, and a work plan was presented under which a dedicated facility will be set up in central Israel, including a hanging cell and a viewing cell. A special unit of prison fighters will be established, and several prison fighters will be assigned so that they will not know who pressed the button, and they will be accompanied by a psychological support system.”
The Knesset gave final approval to the legislation on Monday. The bill, advanced by Ben Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit party, passed amid political tensions and disagreements even within the coalition. After the results were announced, coalition members applauded and celebrated, while opposition lawmakers shouted at Netanyahu, who voted in favor, calling out: “A slave of Ben Gvir!”
The law establishes the death penalty for terrorists convicted of premeditated murder carried out as part of terrorist activity. It has become one of the most controversial measures in recent years, with opposition from some figures in the defense and legal systems over possible consequences, while supporters argue it is a key tool for strengthening deterrence.