Controversial Israeli Capital Punishment Bill Sparks Urgent Pleas from Captives’ Families
A capital punishment bill proposed by the Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s party has ignited a fierce debate within Israel. The bill aims to facilitate the use of capital punishment against Palestinian detainees, and while some argue it is necessary for the safety of the state, relatives of captives taken by Hamas have implored far-right Israeli lawmakers not to pursue it.
The proposal follows a devastating attack on October 7, where members of a Palestinian armed group from Gaza killed more than 1,200 people in southern Israel and abducted approximately 240 individuals. Ben-Gvir’s far-right party is pushing for the implementation of the death penalty for terrorists, asserting that it is a vital and ethical law for the State of Israel.
However, the families of the hostages have expressed profound concerns over discussing the death penalty, fearing that it might have catastrophic consequences for their loved ones still held captive in Gaza. Yarden Gonen, whose sister Romi is among the hostages, emotionally pleaded with Ben-Gvir and his party colleagues, saying, Don’t pursue this until after they are back here. Don’t put my sister’s blood on your hands.
These families worry that any conversations about executions could further endanger their relatives, who have already received threats of execution from Hamas. Gil Dilkma, a cousin of one of the captives, made an impassioned plea to Ben-Gvir, stating, Remove the law if you have a heart.
Critics argue that such discussions risk lives without serving any public purpose. The Missing Families Forum expressed concern in a statement that focusing on executions would not contribute to the safe return of their loved ones. Another family member shouted, Stop talking about killing Arabs. Start talking about saving Jews!
However, certain right-wing politicians were dismayed by the objections raised by the families. Almog Cohen from the Israeli far-right Otzma Yehudit party responded by saying, You have no monopoly over pain. These exchanges highlight the deep divisions within Israeli society regarding the issue of capital punishment.
While some Israeli politicians argue that increased executions would deter terrorism, the conservative Likud party, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has shown little interest in advancing the bill during its long rule. It is important to note that the only court-ordered death sentence in Israel was in 1962 when convicted Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann was executed by hanging.
Although Israeli military courts technically possess the power to hand down the death penalty by unanimous decision of three judges in cases involving Palestinians, this power has never been exercised. Linor Dan-Calderon, who has three relatives held captive, accused Ben-Gvir’s party of having confused priorities and urged them to drop the bill from the agenda.
The debate surrounding the capital punishment bill raises significant questions about the appropriate response to acts of terrorism and the protection of human rights. As discussions continue, the fate of the bill and the lives of the captives remain uncertain.
