A spokesperson for the US State Department stated that Washington respects Israel’s sovereignty in determining laws and punishments for convicted terrorists, expressing confidence that any similar measures will be carried out in the context of a fair trial.
The United States is the only NATO member to retain the death penalty and remains the primary diplomatic and military supporter of Israel.
Prior to the approval of the bill by the Israeli parliament, Britain, France, Germany, and Italy expressed deep concern, warning that the move risks undermining Israel’s democratic commitments.
The proposal stipulates that anyone who intentionally causes the death of another person with the intent to harm an Israeli citizen or resident or to destroy the existence of the State of Israel will be punished by death or life imprisonment.
Furthermore, the text indicates that the death penalty will be the default punishment if Israeli military courts classify the killing as “terrorist activity.”
This framework would allow Israel to apply the death penalty to any Palestinian citizen who kills an Israeli, while prohibiting the application of the death penalty against an Israeli who kills a Palestinian.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, subjecting Palestinians accused of infractions to military courts, whereas Israeli settlers are tried in civil courts.
Although Israeli law permits the death penalty, it has not been carried out since 1962, following the execution of Nazi official Adolf Eichmann.
