Europe Voices Alarm Over Israel’s Proposed Death Penalty Law
In a joint statement released Sunday, the foreign ministers of Germany, France, Italy, and the UK said, “We express our deep concern about a bill that would significantly expand the possibilities to impose the death penalty in Israel and that could be voted into law next week.”
The statement highlighted particular worry about the bill’s “de facto discriminatory character,” noting that its adoption could weaken “Israel's commitments with regards to democratic principles.”
The ministers emphasized that opposition to the death penalty is a “fundamental value that unites us,” adding: “We urge the Israeli decision makers in Knesset and Government to abandon these plans,” as reported by officials.
The Netherlands also expressed alignment with this position. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said his country shares “deep concern” over the bill ahead of its parliamentary vote, stating, “NL is principally against the death penalty and urges Israel's government and Parliament to reconsider this bill.”
The legislation is expected to reach the Knesset’s General Assembly this week for second and third readings, the final steps before becoming law. Under the bill, death sentences could be imposed without a prosecution request, by simple majority rather than unanimity, and military courts in the West Bank could sentence Palestinians to death, with limited avenues for pardon or appeal. For prisoners tried within Israel, the penalty could be reduced to life imprisonment.
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