Statement by the Chair on the adoption of death penalty bill by the Knesset

Brussels, 31 March 2026.

The recent adoption by the Knesset - with 62 votes out of 120 - of legislation expanding the scope of capital punishment in Israel raises serious concerns. It has to be understood as a political manoeuvre in election times, but it is unfortunately another example of how radical political forces can currently exert influence in the Knesset in times of war.

It is important to be clear: this is not the reintroduction of the death penalty into Israeli law. Capital punishment already exists within Israel's legal framework, like in many of its neighbouring countries and in the Palestinian territories.

However, the newly adopted law would extend its scope, particularly in relation to terrorism-related offences, thereby marking a significant shift in its potential application.

At the same time, the legislative process is not fully concluded. Israel's Supreme Court, which also exercises a form of constitutional review in the absence of a formal written constitution, is expected to assess the law. Many observers anticipate that the Court may ultimately reject it.

As the European Parliament, we maintain a principled and consistent position, which I reiterated personally only five days ago to my Israeli counterpart Ariel Kallner: we oppose the death penalty in all circumstances and everywhere in the world. This position is firmly embedded in the European Union's fundamental values and reflected in its external human rights policy, including the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and longstanding EU guidelines on the death penalty.

We fully recognise Israel's legitimate security concerns and the severity of the terrorist threats it faces. No state should have to endure such violence against its citizens. We also acknowledge the asymmetric threat Israel is facing from terrorists who do not abide by any law, principle or basic human decency, as well as Israel's current limitations when dealing with convicted terrorists who have been released in hostage deals. At the same time, we recall that not abandoning the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights is precisely what distinguishes Israel from terrorists or a terrorist state.

Expanding the use of capital punishment risks undermining these principles. It also raises broader concerns regarding proportionality, judicial safeguards, and the potential long-term implications for justice and deterrence.

The European Parliament will continue to advocate for the universal abolition of the death penalty and to engage with partners, including Israel, on upholding shared commitments to human dignity and the rule of law.