Hostage survivor Rom Braslavski recently interviewed National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on his podcast—and the two discussed the death penalty for terrorists, which was approved in second and third readings several months ago. During the conversation, the former hostage made a personal request to the minister: “Let me be the one to hang them. I don’t want a rope, and I don’t need a button—with my own hands I will execute every terrorist in the State of Israel.” Ben Gvir responded to the hostage survivor: “I will turn the world upside down to make this happen, I promise you. This is one of my biggest dreams: to see this. You are the right person in the right place.” The minister later added: “We will execute them one by one.” The video gained wide distribution in Israel, but the most significant exposure came after it was posted on the official Instagram page of the anti-Israeli news channel Al Jazeera—where it has racked up more than 1.5 million views so far.
As a reminder, after weeks of debates and political storms, the Knesset plenum approved the law allowing the death penalty for terrorists by an overwhelming majority of 62 in favor versus 48 opposed. The bill, led by the Otzma Yehudit party, became one of the most explosive issues on the public agenda. The main obstacle blocking the law was finally removed when the Shas party announced its support.
Details on the New Law
The new law revolutionized Israel’s punishment system and defined clear procedures for carrying out the sentence.
In Judea and Samaria: The defense minister will instruct the area commander to determine that a resident of the area (who is not Israeli) who committed murder in an act of terror will be subject to the death penalty only. The military court will be able to commute this to life imprisonment only in special circumstances, without requiring a unanimous decision or a specific level of judges.
Inside the Green Line: An amendment to the Penal Law establishes that anyone who murders with the intent to deny the existence of the State of Israel in circumstances of an act of terror—their sentence is death or life imprisonment only. Method of execution: The sentence will be carried out by hanging within 90 days of becoming final. The prime minister was given authority to delay the execution for special reasons for a period of up to 180 days in total.
End to Prisoner Swaps: In a dramatic move, the Government Law was amended so that there is an absolute prohibition on the government ordering the release of a terrorist sentenced to death as part of prisoner exchange deals.