Photo Credit: Yossi Zamir, Shatil Stock
Earlier this month, the Knesset passed the first reading of a bill that would introduce a mandatory death penalty for those convicted of “nationalist-motivated” murder or terrorism. According to NIFC partner The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), this is an overtly anti-Arab measure: championed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, it would penalize only those who kill “with the aim of harming the State of Israel and the revival of the Jewish people.” In practice, ACRI argues, this definition would only ever apply to Arabs.
ACRI has strongly condemned this bill, and has begun to campaign against it, arguing that it violates fundamental principles of human rights. ACRI points out that the bill would conflict with Israeli law, undermining guarantees of life and equality. “The death penalty turns the law into a tool of violence in the hands of the authorities,” the organization wrote in a public statement. “It also serves to corrupt society and normalizes violence, extremism, and indifference to the value of life.” ACRI also highlights the risk of judicial error. “The fear that even one person might be wrongfully executed is sufficient to disqualify this cruel and irreversible punishment,” they wrote.
They note that, in the history of Israel, the death penalty has only been carried out once: against the infamous Nazi, Adolf Eichmann, in 1962.
With NIFC’s unwavering support, ACRI will continue its efforts to defend the rights of all and challenge repressive legislation like this bill.