Israel minister vows to pass death penalty legislation

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman this morning declared that the government will pursue until completion a new legislative initiative to make it easier to execute Palestinians.

According to Lieberman, the bill would be advancing to a discussion in the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee next Wednesday.

That discussion will occur prior to the legislation’s first reading in the Knesset plenum.

“We will not give up and we will not stop until we complete the mission,” Lieberman said.

READ: Lieberman, Netanyahu reject plans to reduce Palestinian prisoners’ sentences

Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave his approval for the bill which would allow the court system to more easily sentence Palestinians to death – including military courts.

Israeli law already permits the death penalty in certain cases, but no one has been executed since Nazi SS officer Adolf Eichmann in 1962.

The law currently stipulates a unanimous decision by judges for an execution to take place, whereas the new bill allows for the execution of those convicted of murder if a majority of judges approve.