In simple terms: Israel’s parliament has approved a new law that makes the death penalty—by hanging—the default punishment for Palestinians in the West Bank convicted of killing Israelis in attacks motivated by nationalism. Prime Minister Netanyahu personally voted for the bill, which was championed by far-right politicians.
The law is controversial because it mainly applies to Palestinians, while Jewish citizens are effectively excluded. Rights groups and foreign governments, including Australia, Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, have condemned it as discriminatory and unethical. The U.S. said it respects Israel’s right to set its own laws but emphasized the importance of fair trials.
Legal experts argue Israel’s parliament has no authority to legislate for the West Bank, which is not sovereign Israeli territory. The law is expected to face legal challenges in Israel’s courts, and critics warn it contradicts international conventions that prohibit mandatory death sentences and deny clemency.
Israel has not carried out a judicial execution since 1962, when Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann was hanged.
Source: Newstimehub
