Netanyahu Considers Death Penalty for Terrorist in First Test of New Law

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated a willingness to consider the practical application of the death penalty law for terrorists, specifically in the case of an attacker involved in a recent incident in the Benjamin region. The discussion occurred during a closed meeting on the situation in Judea and Samaria, held shortly before the Yom Kippur holiday.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir proposed applying the new law to the perpetrator of an attack near the Ein Raya spring, close to the settlement of Neve Tzuf in Samaria. Ben-Gvir argued that this specific case meets the legal criteria for imposing capital punishment. Netanyahu did not dismiss the proposal and requested the IDF assess the feasibility of its implementation. Army representatives stated there were no operational obstacles from their side.

The attack, which took place on September 20, hours before Yom Kippur, involved a terrorist opening fire on Israelis near Ein Raya. Natanel Shachron, a resident of the Alei Zahav settlement and father of six, was killed. His son, who was present, was unharmed. The assailant fled but was later apprehended by IDF special forces in a Ramallah hospital after being wounded during a pursuit.

The law allowing the death penalty for terrorists was definitively approved by the Knesset on March 30, 2026, with 62 votes in favor and 48 against. Netanyahu himself supported the bill and attended the vote. This case could become the first practical test of the law, though a final decision awaits further professional and legal evaluation, including input from the military prosecutor, who was not present at the initial meeting.