Israel’s Parliament i.e. Knesset has passed a big and controversial law on Monday, March 30, 2026. Under this new law, Palestinians found guilty of deadly terrorist activities in military courts can now be given the death penalty. This decision has been taken with the support of 62 votes. As soon as this law was passed, international and human rights organizations have expressed their deep concern and called it discriminatory.
What are the main terms and conditions of this new law?
There is a lot of discussion inside and outside Israel regarding this law because many stringent provisions regarding punishment have been made in it. You can easily understand its main points from the information given below:
Those found guilty in military courts would be given the death penalty by hanging. Complete unanimity among the judges will not be required for sentencing, a simple majority will suffice. The convict will have no right to appeal against the death sentence awarded by a military court. It will be mandatory to complete the hanging process within 90 days of sentencing. This law will especially apply to those Palestinians whose cases will be tried in military courts. This rule is not applied to Israeli citizens or residents there.
What did the world and human rights organizations say?
Immediately after the law was passed, reactions started coming from all over the world. Many countries and organizations have raised legal questions on this and have talked about going to the Supreme Court.
Organization or party His official response The UN human rights chief said that this law goes against the basic rules of international human rights. The Palestinian Authority called it a dangerous move and a violation of international humanitarian law. Germany, France, UK, these countries issued a joint statement expressing concern and appealed to stop it. These organizations, Adalah and ACRI, have decided to challenge this law in the Supreme Court of Israel. Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, called it a victory for justice and a lesson for the enemies.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voted in favor of this bill, although according to reports he also tried to make some changes in it to reduce international pressure. Human rights groups say the law creates two different systems of justice. At present, all eyes are on the Supreme Court of Israel, where the validity of this law is being challenged.
