European Powers Express "Deep Concern" Over Death Penalty for Terrorists
In a joint statement released Sunday, the ministers warned that the bill, which is expected to face final votes in the Knesset this week, could undermine Israel’s democratic commitments. They also raised concerns about what they described as the legislation’s potentially discriminatory impact.
The foreign ministers of Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom have expressed “deep concern” over proposed Israeli legislation that would expand the use of the death penalty for terrorists, urging lawmakers to reconsider the measure.
In a joint statement released Sunday, the ministers warned that the bill, which is expected to face final votes in the Knesset this week, could undermine Israel’s democratic commitments. They also raised concerns about what they described as the legislation’s potentially discriminatory impact.
The proposal would mandate the death penalty for terrorists convicted of intentionally killing a person as part of an act of terrorism. Under the current version, a unanimous judicial decision would not be required to impose the sentence.
The bill also specifies that executions would be carried out by hanging and implemented within 90 days of sentencing by the Israel Prison Service. Earlier drafts had proposed lethal injection as the method of execution before the change was introduced.
The legislation cleared a key procedural stage last week, allowing it to advance toward its second and third readings in the Knesset plenum, where it could be approved as law.
Supporters of the bill argue that it would strengthen deterrence and prevent future attacks, while critics within Israel and abroad have warned of legal, ethical, and diplomatic consequences.
The statement from the four European countries adds to growing international scrutiny of the proposal as it moves closer to a final vote.