Israel’s parliament on Monday approved a law making death by hanging the default penalty for Palestinians from the West Bank convicted of killing Israeli citizens. The measure passed by a 62-58 vote in the 120-seat Knesset and was backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; his governing coalition includes far-right parties that pushed the proposal.
The bill was introduced by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist West Bank settler who has publicly worn a noose on his lapel as a symbol of the plan. Ben-Gvir said: “Those who murder Jews will not continue to breathe and enjoy conditions in prison. This is a day of justice for the murdered, a day of deterrence for enemies.” Footage from the Knesset showed him celebrating the vote with supporters.
Opponents say the law is likely to face legal challenges. A leading Israeli human rights organization has filed a petition with the High Court of Justice seeking annulment of the “Death Penalty for Terrorists Law,” which was enacted on March 30, 2026. Legal analysts expect the Supreme Court to review aspects of the amended statute and say parts may be ruled unconstitutional.
The legislation has drawn strong criticism from Israeli and Palestinian rights groups, which described it as draconian and racist and questioned its deterrent effect. Critics also note that Israel does not exercise full sovereign jurisdiction over the occupied Palestinian territories, complicating the law’s legal and practical application.
The Palestinian presidency condemned the law, calling it “a war crime” in a statement carried by the Wafa news agency, and said such measures would not break Palestinian resolve or their pursuit of statehood.
Opposition lawmakers and civil-rights advocates warned of reputational harm to Israel. Opposition MK Gilad Kariv wrote that “every day that this law remains on the statute books of the State of Israel is a stain on our image and our values.”
The vote marks a political victory for ultranationalist elements in the governing coalition but is likely to trigger extended legal and diplomatic disputes as petitions and international criticism mount.