The Israeli Knesset is set to hold its first reading today on a bill that would allow the execution of Palestinian prisoners, a move that has drawn widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally.

The bill, which was approved by the Knesset’s Security Committee on November 3, is now being submitted to the full Knesset plenum for a vote. Critics warn that the legislation represents a dangerous escalation in Israel’s ongoing campaign of violence and oppression against the Palestinian people.

The push for the bill comes amid pressure from extremist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who warned that his party, Otzma Yehudit, would block other coalition legislation unless the death penalty bill is brought to a vote within three weeks.

The legislation is tied to agreements made to form the current coalition government, led by Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir, in late 2022. The bill has a long history of proposals over the years, most recently being reintroduced in 2022 by Ben-Gvir with several amendments. It was approved in its preliminary reading in March 2023.

Under the proposed law, anyone “who intentionally or negligently causes the death of an Israeli citizen out of racist or hateful motives and to harm Israel” would be eligible for the death penalty. Human rights organizations warn that this language could be applied broadly against Palestinians, and further entrench systemic oppression and violence.

Even if the bill is not fully enacted in the current Knesset session, its approval in the first reading would allow it to advance in future legislative sessions, raising serious concerns about the safety and rights of Palestinian prisoners.

Observers note that the move reflects growing influence of extremist factions within Israel’s government and underscores the urgent need for international attention to the plight of Palestinians under occupation. (ILKHA)