(MENAFN) The Israeli Knesset has given initial consent to a proposed law that would permit the execution of Palestinian prisoners.

According to an Israeli Broadcasting Authority, the measure was approved late Monday with 39 legislators supporting it and 16 opposing, out of a total of 120 parliament members.

During the parliamentary session, tensions rose sharply when Arab legislator Ayman Odeh clashed with the far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The confrontation nearly turned physical before it was defused.

The legislation was introduced by Ben-Gvir’s far-right Jewish Power faction. Prior to the vote, the proposal was referred to Knesset committees for further review and preparation ahead of the second and third readings, which are mandatory for final ratification.

The draft bill states that “any person who intentionally or through recklessness causes the death of an Israeli citizen, when motivated by racism, hatred, or intent to harm Israel, shall face the death penalty” and that no commutation of the punishment will be allowed once it is issued.

Ben-Gvir expressed his satisfaction over the outcome on the U.S.-based social media platform X, declaring: “Jewish Power is making history. We promised and delivered. The death penalty law for terrorists has passed its first reading.”

Human rights organizations have consistently denounced Ben-Gvir’s efforts to advance such a law, cautioning that it disproportionately targets Palestinians and exacerbates systemic bias.

This development unfolds amid a period of deep turmoil for Palestinians, who continue to endure the consequences of Israel’s two-year military campaign in Gaza since October 2023, coupled with deadly raids and operations throughout the occupied West Bank.

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