Ben-Gvir wears noose pin in Knesset debate on Palestinian death penalty bill

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attended a session of the Knesset’s National Security Committee on Monday wearing a lapel pin in the shape of a noose, during a debate on a bill that would introduce the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners.

The gesture drew widespread criticism, as Ben-Gvir and fellow members of his far-right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party arrived for the committee hearing ahead of the bill’s second and third readings. The proposal has faced mounting legal and ethical objections from within Israel’s own legal establishment.

According to Haaretz, Ben-Gvir defended the proposed legislation, describing the death penalty as a “legitimate” punitive tool that could be used against Palestinian detainees. “One of the options the law will provide is the execution of terrorists. Of course, there is the hanging option, there is the electric chair, and there is also the option of anaesthesia,” he said.

The committee’s legal advisers had warned a day earlier that the bill raises profound constitutional concerns and may not comply with Israel’s own legal standards.

Ben-Gvir, however, dismissed these warnings, insisting he had received support from some doctors. “Since the announcement that doctors would refuse to participate in implementing the law, I’ve received a hundred calls from doctors saying: ‘Itamar, just tell us when.’” he claimed.

READ: Ben Gvir hands out sweets as Knesset approves death penalty law for Palestinian prisoners