Ben-Gvir Urges Death Penalty for Terrorists Following West Bank Attack

Hours before Yom Kippur, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir raised the issue of the death penalty for terrorists during a limited security discussion concerning the West Bank. Ben-Gvir argued that the recent arrest of the terrorist responsible for the murder of Natanel Shicron was the first case meeting the criteria for implementing the law, which was approved by the Knesset in March. Sources close to Ben-Gvir stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed interest and requested information from the IDF regarding the feasibility of applying the law in this specific instance. IDF representatives present at the discussion indicated no operational objections, though the Military Advocate General did not attend. Consequently, it was decided that the Security Cabinet would hold a follow-up professional meeting, including the Military Advocate General, to further examine the implementation of the law.

The law, passed in March with 62 votes in favor and 48 against, allows the Defense Minister to instruct IDF commanders in the West Bank to impose the death penalty on residents of the area, excluding Israeli citizens or residents, who intentionally cause death in a terrorist act. The only exception is if a military court finds special circumstances warranting a life sentence.