Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thrown his support behind a controversial bill from far-right ministers that would allow the execution of Palestinian prisoners, deepening concerns over Israel’s treatment of Palestinians amid its ongoing offensive in Gaza.
The far-right Jewish Power party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, submitted the bill, which will go to a first reading in the Knesset on Wednesday.
The draft law states that "the death penalty shall be imposed on any person who intentionally, or through indifference, causes the death of an Israeli citizen out of racist motives, hatred, or intent to harm the State of Israel.”
Bills in Israel must pass three readings in the Knesset to become law.
Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported that Coordinator Gal Hirsch told the Knesset’s National Security Committee on Monday that Netanyahu had expressed support for the measure.
