Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:32am on 12 Nov 2025,Wednesday International
Israel's Knesset passed first reading of a controversial death penalty bill targeting "terrorism," with 39-16 votes Monday. Proposed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the legislation applies to individuals killing Israelis from "racist" motives "harming the State of Israel and Jewish people's revival." Critics argue wording ensures application almost exclusively against Palestinians killing Jews, not Jewish extremists attacking Palestinians. Amnesty International's Erika Guevara Rosas condemned it as "state-sanctioned killing, domination and oppression," calling it discriminatory and apartheid-system product. The bill requires second and third readings before becoming law. Hamas termed it "blatant international law violation." Over 10,000 Palestinians currently detained in Israeli prisons face alleged torture and medical neglect.
