Ben-Gvir Claims Netanyahu Open to Death Penalty for Terrorists

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated on Tuesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not rule out the possibility of implementing the death penalty for terrorists following a recent shooting attack near the settlement of Neve Tzuf in the Benjamin region. The attack resulted in the death of 30-year-old Natanel Shokron, a father of six from Eli Zahav.

Responding to a question from Srugim, Ben-Gvir confirmed he discussed the matter with Netanyahu after the attack. "Yes, I spoke with the Prime Minister after the attack and he did not rule it out. On the contrary, he was even quite enthusiastic about this event," Ben-Gvir said.

Ben-Gvir argued that capital punishment for terrorists could serve as a deterrent, making them fear carrying out attacks. "I think he knows very well that, first, it is the law, so we are all obligated to the law, and second, that it creates deterrence, that it creates a situation where terrorists will be afraid to carry out attacks," the minister explained. He acknowledged that the death penalty would not completely prevent attacks but suggested it could lead to a further decrease in their number.

"It won't prevent 100 percent of attacks, but the death penalty law for terrorists will further reduce attacks," Ben-Gvir asserted, adding that as National Security Minister, he has overseen a significant reduction in terror attacks in Israel.

Shokron was shot while at the Ein Ra'aya spring and was evacuated to Beilinson Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He had gone to the spring with his eldest son to immerse himself ahead of Yom Kippur. He is survived by his wife, Merav, and six children, ranging in age from four to a high school student. Shokron worked as an information systems analyst, and his wife is a lecturer at Ariel University.