Netanyahu Considers Death Penalty for Terrorist After West Bank Attack

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not rule out the possibility of imposing the death penalty on the terrorist responsible for a deadly shooting attack in the Benjamin region, which occurred shortly before Yom Kippur. The discussion took place during a limited security briefing focused on the situation in the West Bank.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir raised the issue, arguing that the recent attack, which killed Natanel Shkuri, meets the criteria for applying the death penalty law for terrorists, enacted by the Knesset in March 2026. Netanyahu requested the IDF's stance on the matter, and IDF representatives indicated there were no objections from their end to advancing the possibility.

However, the Military Advocate General (MAG), who was not present at the initial meeting, will participate in a subsequent professional discussion. This additional meeting is intended to further examine the legal aspects and practical implementation of the law before any decision is made.

The attack took place near the Ein Ri'a spring in the Neve Tzuf area. The terrorist opened fire on Israelis, killing Shkuri, a father of six from Ali Zahav. The assailant fled the scene and was later apprehended in a Ramallah hospital by Duvdevan unit soldiers after being wounded by IDF fire during his escape. Following the attack, the area was put under lockdown, and forces were increased to search for any accomplices.