The European Union has expressed grave concern over the "Death Penalty for Prisoners" bill, which was recently approved by the Knesset’s National Security Committee in preparation for its second and third readings next week.
اضافة اعلان
EU spokesperson Anwar El-Anouni stated in a press release on Wednesday that the bill represents a "disturbing step," reaffirming the EU's opposition to the death penalty "in all cases and under all circumstances." The statement described the penalty as a violation of the right to life that cannot be carried out without infringing upon the absolute right to freedom from torture and ill-treatment.
On Tuesday, the Knesset’s National Security Committee approved the bill, which mandates the death penalty for anyone who "intentionally causes the death of a person in an act classified as terrorism." The legislation explicitly prohibits granting amnesty, meaning sentences cannot be commuted or altered later.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
Mandatory Sentencing: The penalty is imposed without the need for judicial consensus.
Execution Method: Execution is to be carried out by hanging by the occupation prison service within a maximum of 90 days from the sentencing date.
Targeted Acts: The bill targets perpetrators of "terrorist killings" intended to harm Israeli citizens or residents or motivated by "denying the existence of the state."
Jurisdictional Distinction: The bill distinguishes between Israel and the occupied West Bank. In the West Bank, the death penalty is the primary sentence, though military courts retain exceptional authority to impose life imprisonment in "special circumstances."
Executive Power: The Israeli Prime Minister is granted authority to request a stay of execution for up to 180 days under "special circumstances."
EU Criticism and International Law
In its commentary, the EU stressed that the death penalty has "no proven deterrent effect" and renders judicial errors "irreparable." The statement noted that Israel has long maintained a de facto moratorium on executions, and the passage of this bill would represent a "dangerous reversal" of this approach.
The EU called on Israel to adhere to its previous positions and international obligations, as well as to respect the democratic principles outlined in the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
The bill was introduced by Knesset member Limor Son Har-Melech of the "Otzma Yehudit" party, led by Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
