Germany, France, Italy and the UK have warned Israel against reinstating the death penalty. The foreign ministers criticize the bill as discriminatory and an inhumane punishment. Israel's parliament will decide on it on Monday.
Foreign ministers from Germany, France, Italy and the UK described the death penalty in a joint statement as an "inhumane and degrading form of punishment without deterrent effect." Johann Wadephul (CDU) and his counterparts urge Israel's parliament and government to withdraw the bill. They express concern over its "de facto discriminatory character."
The Knesset plans a final vote on Monday on the legislation initiated last year. Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calls it the most important bill in recent years. Approval is considered likely, though critics label the proposal as racist because it would primarily affect Palestinians.
If passed, Palestinians convicted in military courts in occupied territories for terror-motivated murders could face execution. Civilian courts could also impose it for murders aimed at destroying Israel – but not for Israelis killing Palestinians.
Europarat Secretary General Alain Berset also calls for rejection of the bill as a setback to the long-standing moratorium. Israel abolished the death penalty for murder in 1954; the last execution was in 1962 against Adolf Eichmann.
