Why Israel's death penalty law is a massive setback for human rights

Why Israel's death penalty law is a massive setback for human rights Submitted by Hussein Abu Hussein on Tue, 03/31/2026 - 18:36 As a default option for Palestinians under occupation, the legislation will fatally undermine the rights to life, dignity, due process and equality Protesters hold placards reading 'Urgent and final appeal: Stop the execution of prisoners law before it’s too late' in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, 31 March 2026 (Zain Jaafar/AFP) Off Modern law is supposed to reflect a civilised society’s commitment to fundamental moral principles, and its aspirations to achieve justice and equality among its members. Law must define the boundaries of society, indicate what is permitted and forbidden, and formulate the image of a world that respects human rights. The Israeli Knesset has turned its back on these principles by enacting a law that imposes the death penalty on any Palestinian convicted of intentionally causing the death of a person in a “terrorist” act.