Israeli lawmakers voted Monday to establish capital punishment for individuals who commit deadly terrorist attacks, with the Knesset approving the controversial measure by a margin of 62 to 48 votes.
The new law, which completed its second and third readings on March 30, 2026, declares that any individual who deliberately kills someone during a terrorist attack will face execution. The measure mandates this punishment in specific circumstances and eliminates the previous requirement for judges to reach a unanimous verdict.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cast his ballot in support of the legislation, even though the measure was expected to pass without his vote. The opposition Israel Beiteinu party endorsed the bill, while United Torah Judaism, a member of the governing coalition, opposed it. Following the vote, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who helped initiate the proposal, declared: “We are making history.”
Under the new statute, the Israel Prison Service will conduct executions by hanging within 90 days, with no option for presidential pardons. However, government sources indicated the legislation remains vulnerable to challenges before the High Court of Justice.
Constitutional law specialists have identified several potential legal obstacles, including the compulsory nature of the death sentence and the prohibition on mercy provisions. They also noted complications arising from different legal systems governing Israeli citizens versus cases in West Bank territories.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid harshly criticized the legislation, stating: “This law will not lead to a single execution. Not in Gaza, not in Judea and Samaria, not of terrorists, and not of anyone else. It is deliberately written without filters and without balances, for one purpose only: to ensure that it will be struck down.”
According to N12 news reports, high-ranking European Union officials conducted emergency discussions with Israeli representatives in attempts to prevent the law’s passage. European leaders reportedly threatened economic sanctions and potential suspension of trade deals, technological partnerships, scientific collaboration, and diplomatic relations.
