• The Israeli Knesset approved a bill allowing the death penalty for individuals labeled as "terrorists."
• The bill, pushed forward by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, passed with a vote of 39 in favor to 16 against.
• Critics argue the legislation effectively targets Palestinians while exempting Israelis from similar penalties.
• Human rights organizations have condemned the bill as exacerbating systemic discrimination and violating international law.
• The proposed legislation must pass two additional readings to become law.

The Israeli Knesset has advanced a controversial bill proposing the death penalty for individuals associated with terrorism, primarily affecting Palestinians convicted of attacks against Israelis. This legislation was passed in a first reading by a vote of 39 to 16 in the 120-member parliament and is largely supported by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who called the approval a historical achievement for his Jewish Power party. The bill is designed to apply to those who "intentionally or through recklessness cause the death of an Israeli citizen," motivated by racism or hatred towards the state, according to the text of the legislation. It must now pass two additional readings in the Knesset before it can become law, as described in reports from Le Monde, AA, and Reuters.

The political context surrounding the bill is tense, coinciding with Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas. Since the onset of hostilities in October 2023, human rights groups report that over 10,000 Palestinians are detained in Israeli prisons and have raised alarms regarding the treatment of these prisoners, including severe allegations of torture and medical neglect. The Israeli government currently faces heavy scrutiny from both domestic and international bodies for its potential human rights violations. Critics of the bill argue that it mainly targets Palestinians, leaving Israelis largely exempt from similar repercussions, as articulated by several human rights organizations and media outlets, including Middle East Eye and BBC.

Following the vote, Minister Ben Gvir celebrated by distributing sweets in the Knesset, asserting that the law’s enactment would ultimately prevent prisoners' release deals. This statement reflects the increasing tensions over prisoner swaps that have historically involved bargaining between the Israeli government and Palestinian factions. Notably, Ben Gvir emphasized the law's role in creating a deterrent against terrorism in his remarks after the vote, which has raised concerns about its implications for peace efforts in the region, as reported by Al Jazeera and Le Monde.

Supporters of the bill argue that it will serve as a practical tool against terrorist activities, particularly in light of recent violent escalations. However, the proposal has spurred accusations of fostering discrimination and deepening systemic bias within the Israeli judicial system. As legislative discussions continue, the potential for the bill to exacerbate an already volatile situation remains a critical concern for both local and global observers, according to sources such as Reuters and BBC.