A new military order has officially brought the death penalty into effect for Palestinians living in the West Bank who are convicted of deadly acts of terrorism. Initially passed by Israel’s parliament this past March, the legislation was pushed forward by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and secured a narrow victory with 62 votes in favor, including that of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The policy was finalized on May 17 when Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, commander of the IDF Central Command, signed the necessary military mandate to enforce it across the territory.

The move has drawn significant international and domestic backlash, with critics highlighting the stark contrast between this law and the civilian judicial system, which remains hesitant to apply the death penalty to Israeli citizens. Human rights organizations and leaders like Abdullah al-Zaghari of the Palestinian Prisoners Club have denounced the measure as inherently discriminatory and "fascist," arguing that it formalizes an unequal system of justice. Furthermore, a coalition of eight nations, including the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, issued a joint statement condemning the law, warning that it further entrenches systemic inequality and denies the fundamental rights of the Palestinian population.