Ben-Gvir Advances Hanging Method in Terrorist Death Penalty Bill

In a move that has ignited intense national debate, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir unveiled a revised version of Israel’s proposed death penalty for terrorists, announcing that hanging would replace lethal injection as the method of execution. The update was presented during a Knesset National Security Committee meeting and reflects growing determination within the coalition to push the legislation forward.

“We’re coming up with the best outline, the most exact one,” Ben-Gvir told lawmakers, adding that the proposal now reflects what he believes is the will of a broad segment of the Israeli public. The bill already passed its first reading in November and must clear two additional votes before becoming law. Ben-Gvir has pledged to accelerate the process with extended committee sessions.

Under the revised framework, executions would be carried out by hanging under the responsibility of the Israel Prison Service and completed within 90 days of a final judgment. The change marks a significant shift from the original proposal, which had envisioned lethal injection.

The adjustment followed objections from medical professionals who said doctors would not participate in executions on ethical grounds. While Ben-Gvir previously claimed many physicians had expressed willingness to assist, the revised approach removes the medical community from direct involvement.

The bill also includes provisions granting full legal immunity to prison officers involved in carrying out executions, while keeping their identities confidential. Terror cases would be tried in military courts, and once a verdict is finalized, there would be no option to commute or overturn the sentence. Strict detention conditions would apply until the execution date.

Supporters of the measure argue that the death penalty for terrorists is a necessary deterrent at a time when Israel continues to face violent attacks, hostage-taking, and organized terror networks. Members of Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit party say the policy would reduce incentives for kidnappings and prisoner exchanges, which have historically empowered terrorist organizations.

Ben-Gvir has emphasized that advancing the death penalty for terrorists was a core commitment made during coalition negotiations. He also stated that Israel’s security services have expressed support for the outline, reinforcing the argument that the proposal aligns with national security priorities.

Opposition lawmakers challenged those claims during the committee session. MK Gilad Kariv questioned whether security officials truly support the bill and accused Ben-Gvir of promoting it for political gain ahead of elections. Representatives of several Jewish human rights groups also voiced moral objections, citing Jewish legal traditions that historically limited the use of capital punishment.

Committee chairman Zvika Fogel dismissed comparisons to other countries, arguing that Israel’s security reality is unique. Surrounded by hostile forces and persistent terrorism, he said Israel must consider tools it has never fully applied before in order to protect its citizens.

The debate has also carried symbolic weight. During the meeting, Ben-Gvir and fellow party members wore gold noose pins, a gesture that drew criticism from opponents who felt the imagery was provocative. Supporters countered that the message reflects seriousness about enforcing consequences for acts of terror.

At its core, the controversy highlights the difficult balance Israel faces between ethical concerns, legal standards, and the urgent need to defend lives. For many Israelis, the death penalty for terrorists represents a line drawn against those who deliberately target civilians and seek to undermine the nation’s security and sovereignty.

As the bill moves toward further readings, the discussion is expected to intensify both inside the Knesset and across Israeli society. Whatever the final outcome, the debate underscores Israel’s ongoing struggle to deter terror while preserving the values that define the Jewish state.

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