Ben-Gvir Pushes for Death Penalty for Terrorists Ahead of Yom Kippur

Two hours before the start of Yom Kippur, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir raised the possibility of implementing the death penalty for terrorists during a limited security discussion concerning Judea and Samaria. Ben-Gvir argued that the current case met the criteria for applying the law. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed interest and requested answers from the IDF regarding the feasibility of implementing the law in this specific instance. IDF representatives present at the meeting stated there was no objection from their end to its application. The Military Advocate General, who did not attend the initial discussion, will participate in a follow-up professional meeting of the limited cabinet to further examine the issue.

The discussion followed the capture of a Hamas operative, aged 37 and from the town of Biddu near Jerusalem, who was responsible for a shooting attack near the Ein Ri'el spring (Ein Tsuf). Initial investigations indicate the terrorist acted alone, conducted a reconnaissance of the area the day before the attack, and was wounded by a tracker from the regional brigade after shooting Sergeant First Class Shokron. A wide-ranging manhunt by security forces led to his eventual capture by Duvdevan unit soldiers in a nearby hospital.