Amnesty International has called on Israel to withdraw two Knesset bills that would expand the use of the death penalty, warning they would violate international law and deepen discriminatory practices against Palestinians. Backed by officials including Itamar Ben-Gvir, the proposals would amend Israeli and military law and create an ad hoc military court for suspects in the October 7, 2023 attacks. Amnesty says the measures would disproportionately affect Palestinians — in part because Israeli settlers would be excluded — and would effectively revive executions despite Israel having abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1954.
Amnesty Urges Israel To Withdraw Death Penalty Bills, Warns They Could 'Entrench Apartheid'
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has been pushing for the expansion of Israel's death penalty laws [File: Oren Ben Hakoon/Reuters]
Amnesty International has urged Israel to abandon two proposed Knesset bills that would broaden the application of the death penalty, warning the measures would breach international law and "further entrench Israel's apartheid system" against Palestinians.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the rights organisation said the bills would mark a major reversal of Israel's long-standing stance against capital punishment and would disproportionately affect Palestinians. The proposals are backed by senior government figures, including far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
What The Bills Would Do
One bill would amend the Israeli Penal Law and the Defence Regulations that apply in the West Bank to permit the use of capital punishment. A second proposal would create special provisions and an ad hoc military court to try people accused of taking part in the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023.
"These amendments mean that the most extreme and irrevocable punishment is being reserved for, and weaponised against, Palestinians," Amnesty said.
Why Amnesty Says They Are Problematic
Amnesty warned that if enacted the measures would isolate Israel from the majority of states that have abolished the death penalty in law or practice and would weaken safeguards intended to prevent miscarriages of justice. Legal experts cited by the group say the bills' scope and application would contravene international legal norms and are likely to result in unequal treatment of Palestinians.
Amnesty highlighted that amendments to military laws applicable in the West Bank would explicitly exempt residents of Israeli settlements — settlements widely considered illegal under international law — meaning in practice the death penalty would apply almost exclusively to Palestinians.
Context And Background
Israel abolished the death penalty for "ordinary crimes," including murder, in 1954 and has not carried out an execution since 1962. Although capital punishment remains on the books for exceptional offences such as genocide and treason, Amnesty says the proposed changes would effectively revive executions in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
The legislation is being considered amid Israel's war in Gaza and a recent surge in violence by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Israeli officials defending the draft laws argue they are necessary deterrents against deadly attacks.
Amnesty's appeal: The group is calling on lawmakers to drop the bills to avoid violating international legal obligations and to prevent the entrenchment of discriminatory policies that would disproportionately target Palestinians.
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