Netanyahu Not Ruling Out Death Penalty for Terrorists, Security Meeting Held

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is "not ruling out" the death penalty for terrorists, following a security discussion held shortly before Yom Kippur. The discussion focused on the security situation in Judea and Samaria, specifically in light of a recent deadly terror attack in the Benjamin region.

Ben-Gvir raised the possibility of applying the "Law for the Death Penalty for Terrorists" for the first time, arguing that the recent attack meets the criteria set by the law. Prime Minister Netanyahu requested the IDF's position on the matter. IDF representatives present at the meeting indicated there were no objections from their end to advancing the possibility.

The law, which was finally approved by the Knesset in March 2026 with a majority of 62 votes in favor, allows for the death penalty for terrorists under specific conditions. Both Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir voted in favor of the law at the time.

However, the IDF's top legal advisor, the Military Advocate General, was not present at the initial meeting. Consequently, it was decided that a further, more professional discussion would be held with the participation of the Military Advocate General to thoroughly examine the legal aspects and the next steps for implementing the law.

The terror attack in Benjamin occurred hours before Yom Kippur, when a gunman opened fire near the Ein Ri'a spring, killing Natanel Shkaron, a father of six. The attacker fled the scene but was later apprehended in a Ramallah hospital after being wounded by IDF fire during his escape. Following the attack, security forces imposed a closure on nearby villages and launched a manhunt for potential accomplices.