Israel's parliament advanced a controversial bill on Monday that mandates the death penalty for terrorists convicted of racially motivated murders aimed at harming the state, passing its first reading with 39 votes to 16. Championed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who threatened to collapse the coalition without the vote, the measure targets Palestinians involved in deadly attacks on Israelis and requires two more readings to become law.

The amendment seeks to "cut off terrorism at its root" through a "heavy deterrent," applying mandatory execution for killings driven by hatred toward the public or intent to undermine Israel. While capital punishment technically exists in Israeli law for crimes like treason and genocide, the nation has been de facto abolitionist since hanging Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962—making this a seismic shift in policy.

The timing couldn't be more charged: the vote unfolded during a fragile truce with Hamas, brokered last month after 13 months of war sparked by the October 7, 2023 attacks. Israel continues negotiations with the U.S. and mediators to extend the ceasefire, even as Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power party pushes hardline measures that critics say inflame tensions.

Also Read: Iran Accused of Plotting Assassination of Israeli Ambassador in Mexico; Embassy Denies Allegations

Hamas condemned the bill as proof of Israel's "fascist" nature and a "blatant violation" of international law, while the Palestinian foreign ministry in Ramallah decried it as escalating "Israeli extremism and criminality." Human rights groups warn it could fuel vengeance cycles and complicate peace efforts.

With global eyes on Gaza's reconstruction and hostage talks, this legislative move signals a hardening stance within Netanyahu's government—potentially reshaping justice, deterrence, and diplomacy in one of the world’s most volatile conflicts.

Also Read: Israel Breaks Ceasefire Again: Daily Lebanon Raids Force Hezbollah Fightback Now