Israel’s parliament has passed a new death penalty law that could apply to Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks.
The law allows for execution by hanging in certain military court cases. It is designed to handle serious offenses quickly.
Critics say the law will almost exclusively affect Palestinians, including children tried in the world’s only military court for minors.
The military courts already have a near 100% conviction rate, raising concerns over fairness and due process.
Legal experts note that while judges typically follow formal procedures, the law accelerates sentencing and limits normal safeguards compared with civilian courts.
Prisoners can face limited appeals and stricter restrictions, though reports of total denial of lawyers or family access are unconfirmed.
International human rights groups and several countries have condemned the law as discriminatory and dangerous. Challenges in Israel’s Supreme Court are already underway.
The law marks a significant shift in Israeli policy, as executions have not been carried out under ordinary criminal law since 1962.
