Israel passes law to give death penalty to Palestinians – The Latest

The Guardian's 'Today in Focus' podcast examines Israel's passage of a new law authorizing the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks, a move that has drawn widespread international condemnation. The legislation, passed by the Knesset with 62 votes in favor and 48 opposed, marks a significant escalation in the treatment of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, despite its theoretical applicability to all citizens. The law, driven by far-right figures like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gavir, who celebrated with champagne and noose-themed pins, raises serious concerns about due process, fair trials, and the potential for rushed executions—especially given the 90- to 180-day window for execution after sentencing. Human rights groups warn the law is inherently discriminatory in practice, even if not in wording, and could lead to executions by hanging, as lethal injection is reportedly rejected by Israeli medical professionals. The Israeli Supreme Court now holds the power to strike down the law, but its independence has been under threat in recent years. Meanwhile, the US has remained silent, and European nations including the UK, France, and Germany have issued strong criticism. The UN and International Criminal Court are also expected to play roles in assessing the law’s legality and implications. The episode highlights the political timing of the law’s passage—coming after the October 2023 Hamas attacks and ahead of Israel’s upcoming elections—suggesting it is both a response to security fears and a strategic move to appeal to nationalist sentiment. The discussion underscores the deepening crisis in Israel’s judicial system and its relationship with international law, while questioning whether global powers can effectively hold Israel accountable. The episode concludes with a somber reflection on the normalization of extreme measures in a climate of fear and political polarization.