Netanyahu Suggests Terrorist's Execution Could Be First Under New Law

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with the family of Natanel Shkaron, who was killed in a terrorist attack near the Benjamin region before Yom Kippur. During the conversation with Shkaron's son, Yoav, who was present at the scene of the attack and survived, Netanyahu stated that the terrorist responsible for his father's death might be the first to be executed under Israel's recently enacted death penalty law for terrorists.

Netanyahu informed Yoav that security forces had apprehended the perpetrator. "We have a big struggle, and we will continue to struggle," Netanyahu said, adding, "We are entering the refugee camps, but unfortunately, it did not suffice to save the life of your dear father. It is possible that in the case of your dear father, there will be the first application of the death penalty law for terrorists."

The Prime Minister's Office released a statement conveying Netanyahu's "heartfelt" condolences to the family, on behalf of himself and his wife Sara, for the loss of the family patriarch. The statement also noted that Netanyahu described Natanel Shkaron as a hero, a "devoted reserve soldier," and a family man who exemplified giving and sacrifice for the establishment of the Jewish people in their land.

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir responded positively to Netanyahu's remarks, welcoming his support for the execution of Shkaron's killer under the new law. "I welcome Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's support for the execution of Natanel Shkaron's murderer, within the framework of the death penalty law for terrorists that we enacted," Ben-Gvir stated. He added, "The path to victory over terrorism involves changing conceptual frameworks and creating strong deterrence. The gallows are an important tool in this struggle, as part of an overall conceptual change."