Netanyahu Considers Death Penalty for Terrorist Ahead of Yom Kippur

Hours before the start of Yom Kippur, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a security discussion regarding the potential application of the death penalty law for terrorists. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir raised the possibility of applying the law to the terrorist responsible for a deadly attack in the Benjamin region on the eve of the holiday. Ben-Gvir argued that this terrorist met the criteria set by the law.

Netanyahu requested that the matter be examined with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and their assessment be obtained. Representatives from the IDF attended the meeting, as the Military Advocate General did not. The military representatives reportedly stated they had no objection to applying the law in this specific case. However, due to legal and practical considerations, a final decision was deferred.

A follow-up discussion is scheduled to take place after the holiday, which will include the Military Advocate General. This future meeting will delve into the legal aspects and practicalities of implementing the death penalty for the terrorist. The discussion occurred in the wake of a fatal shooting attack in the Benjamin area on the eve of Yom Kippur, which resulted in the death of a resident in his 40s.

Following the attack, Netanyahu ordered increased security forces, imposed lockdowns, and mandated the demolition of the terrorist's home, while security forces continued their pursuit of the suspect.