Death Penalty for Terrorists Law

IDF's Central Command chief signs amendment to enact death penalty for terrorists in West Bank

IDF Central Command chief Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth Bluth’s signing marks the start of a significant policy change within the defense establishment since the October 7 massacre.

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
IDF Major General Avi Bluth, March 1, 2026.
PROTESTERS GATHER outside the entrance of Yarmouk refugee camp to condemn the Israeli death penalty law for Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks, in Damascus, Syria, April 1, 2026.

Who gets to belong? Palestinians in Syria confront old suspicions under new rule

Arrests, media attacks, and changes in official terminology have deepened anxiety among Palestinian refugees over their legal status and place in Syrian society.

|ByWASEEM ABU MAHADI/THE MEDIA LINE
Justice Minister Yariv Levin, MK Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionist Party), and MK Yulia Malinovsky hold joint press conference in Knesset ahead of upcoming vote on bill to publicly prosecute Oct. 7 terrorists, Sunday May 10, 2026.

Knesset passes law to prosecute October 7 terrorists, conduct public trials in Jerusalem

The law was passed by a unanimous vote of 93 to 0, as the Knesset opened its summer session on Sunday, following more than a month-long spring recess.

|ByKESHET NEEV
GUESTS ARRIVE to the birthday celebrations of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in Moshav Emunim, May 2, 2026.

Police officials criticized for attending Ben-Gvir's birthday party

During the party, the minister’s wife, Ayala Ben-Gvir, presented him with a cake decorated with a drawing of a hanging noose.

|ByALON HOCHMON/MAARIV

Israel's death penalty law draws inspiration from US policy, Ben-Gvir tells 'Post'

Per the bill, West Bank terrorists would receive the automatic death penalty barring specific appeals, while terrorists in other areas would be given either capital punishment or life imprisonment.

APRIL 6, 2026ByKESHET NEEV
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir celebrates the passing of the Death Penalty for Terrorists bill in the Knesset, March 30, 2026

MK Kariv, Zulat Institute, Rabbis for Human Rights ask High Court to strike down death penalty law

A new petition to the High Court challenges Israel's controversial death penalty law, focusing on its impact in the West Bank and seeking urgent action to prevent its immediate implementation.

APRIL 6, 2026BySARAH BEN-NUN
MK Gilad Kariv pictured in the Knesset, January 26, 2026.

Eight Muslim nations condemn Israel's 'dangerous' new death penalty law

Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates emphasized the "urgent need to refrain from measures" that risk further inflaming tensions on the ground.

APRIL 2, 2026ByREUTERS, KESHET NEEV
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir celebrates the passing of the Death Penalty for Terrorists bill in the Knesset, March 30, 2026