With death penalty law, Israel reinforces its image as a pariah state

https://arab.news/p4zus

Blatant contempt for Palestinian life is a gold-star badge of honor within this Israeli government — and not just for the extreme right. Most Israeli ministers have a record of genocidal comments not just about Palestinians but also Lebanese and others. So, is it a surprise that the Knesset has passed a death penalty law that specifically targets Palestinians?

This law is the pet project of Itamar Ben-Gvir, the minister for national security, and his racist acolytes. Ben-Gvir celebrated the law with Champagne in the Knesset. Even before the vote, he posted chilling videos from Israeli prisons showing the preparations for the hangings he so clearly cherishes.

But this is not some extremist fetish. The Knesset passed the legislation by 62 votes to 48. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voted in favor. And it is not a product of the post-October 2023 Israeli fury, as it was included in the coalition agreement four years ago.

As any Palestinian will tell you, Israel already has a policy of execution, just one that is not enabled through the courts