European Ministers Concern Israeli Death Penalty Bill

Foreign ministers from Britain, France, Germany and Italy expressed deep concern on Sunday over an Israeli parliamentary bill that would expand the use of the death penalty for terrorism-related offenses, warning of its potentially discriminatory impact on Palestinians ahead of a final vote in the Knesset on Monday.

The joint statement from the four nations highlighted the legislation's potential to "significantly expand the possibilities to impose the death penalty in Israel." The ministers noted particular worry about the bill's "de facto discriminatory character," stating that its adoption "would risk undermining Israel's commitments with regards to democratic principles." The move comes as the bill, known as the Death Penalty for Terrorists, advances through Israel's parliament following its initial passage in November and recent approval by the National Security Committee.

Israel has maintained a de facto moratorium on executions since 1962, when Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi war criminal, was hanged for his role in the Holocaust. The death penalty remains legally available only for severe crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity and treason. The proposed amendments,...