AFP: The United States said it respects Israel’s right to determine its own laws after its parliament introduced the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of killings, a move criticised by European nations and rights groups.
A State Department spokesperson said, “The United States respects Israel’s sovereign right to determine its own laws and penalties for individuals convicted of terrorism,” adding that any such measures should ensure fair trials and legal protections.
Britain, France, Germany, and Italy expressed “deep concern,” warning the move could undermine Israel’s democratic commitments.
The legislation makes the death penalty the default punishment for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank found guilty of deadly attacks deemed “acts of terrorism” by military courts.
Human rights groups have challenged the law, saying it creates a discriminatory system targeting Palestinians. A petition has been filed in Israel’s Supreme Court seeking to annul the legislation.
Israel has not carried out a judicial execution since 1962, when Nazi official Adolf Eichmann was hanged.
