European nations say Israel’s planned expansion of death penalty is a "grave step backwards"

European nations express deep concern over Israel's plans to expand the death penalty.

The Israeli government's decision to introduce mandatory death sentences for certain offences has sparked widespread criticism from European nations. Britain, France, Germany, and Italy have jointly expressed their deep concern over the proposed bill, which they believe would undermine Israel's democratic principles. The countries' foreign ministers argue that the bill's discriminatory character raises serious concerns, as it would disproportionately affect certain groups.

The planned expansion of the death penalty is set to be voted into law next week, with the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, scheduled to hold a second and third reading on Monday. If the bill passes, it is likely to face a legal challenge and be sent to the Supreme Court for review. The Council of Europe, a human rights body, has also weighed in on the issue, with its chief, Alain Berset, calling on the Israeli authorities to abandon the planned law.

The proposed amendment, championed by Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, would introduce mandatory death sentences for certain offences, including terrorism-related crimes. Critics argue that this would create two tracks for the death penalty in Israel, with military courts in the occupied West Bank imposing the death penalty for terrorist acts, while Israeli courts would apply the death penalty for intentional killings of Israeli citizens or residents.

The international community is closely watching the situation, with the UN Human Rights Council's independent experts previously expressing their concerns over the proposed bill. The Israeli government's decision to push forward with the bill has sparked a heated debate, with many arguing that it would be a step backwards for Israel's democratic principles.