Israel Advances Bill Allowing Death Penalty for Palestinians

The Israeli parliament has approved on its first reading a controversial bill permitting the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis for “nationalist reasons.” Proposed by far-right Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s party, the bill passed 39–16 and still requires two more readings. It would not apply to Israeli citizens who kill Palestinians. Supporters claim it aims to deter terrorism, while critics say it legalizes discrimination. Israel has effectively abolished capital punishment, with Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann being the last person executed in 1962.