Budget Delay Threatens Legal Proceedings Against October 7 Hamas Attackers Ahead of Knesset Dissolution

With the 25th Knesset set to dissolve on July 17, last-minute delays in budget approval risk halting the implementation of the "Noachot Law," which establishes special legal proceedings against Hamas terrorists involved in the October 7 attacks. Although the government approved funding for the project, the Finance Ministry has yet to submit the budget proposal to the Finance Committee, despite a commitment to do so by the previous Thursday. This delay raises concerns among political circles that the budget will not be approved before the Knesset dissolves, potentially postponing the project indefinitely until after new elections and government formation.

The Noachot Law, initiated by MKs Simcha Rothman and Yulia Malinovsky with support from Minister Yariv Levin, was passed by a 93-member majority. It provides for special military court trials for Hamas terrorists responsible for the October 7 massacre and subsequent crimes against hostages and victims. The law allows for the death penalty and classifies the offenses as crimes against the Jewish people, humanity, and war crimes. Importantly, it includes a clause preventing any future release of these terrorists in prisoner exchanges, ensuring finality in sentencing.

The Finance Ministry's procrastination threatens to stall the legal process designed to hold these terrorists accountable. The Finance Committee chairman, MK Hanoch Milwitsky, and other lawmakers express concern that without timely budget approval, the project will be delayed for months. The narrow window before the Knesset's dissolution leaves little time to finalize funding, making the situation critical for the law's implementation.