Netanyahu Backs Death Penalty for Terrorist in Fatal Shooting

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly supported the imposition of the death penalty for the terrorist responsible for a shooting attack near the settlement of Neve Tzuf, which resulted in the death of Natanel Shkaron. Netanyahu made these remarks during a condolence visit with Shkaron's family. During the visit, the victim's son, Yoav, who was present during the attack and survived, asked the Prime Minister if the state would seek the execution of the perpetrator. Netanyahu assured him that the law against terrorists was enacted precisely for this purpose and that the justice system must act immediately to implement it.

This marks the first time the Prime Minister has publicly stated his support for applying the death penalty in a specific case since the relevant authorities were granted these powers. The current case is expected to be the first practical test of the law authorizing capital punishment for terrorists, which was approved by the Knesset in March and took effect in early April.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir welcomed the Prime Minister's statement, asserting that the use of the gallows is part of the necessary shift in approach to create deterrence in the fight against terrorism.