The Knesset has passed a bill introducing the death penalty for Palestinians only.

Omissions

• The MEP referred to 'a bill' (singular), but there were at least two distinct legislative actions in 2026: the March 2026 Death Penalty for Terrorists Law and the 11 May 2026 law creating a special military tribunal.
• The claim states the law 'introduces' the death penalty, whereas Israel already had capital punishment on its books for genocide and wartime espionage; the new laws expand its scope rather than introducing it for the first time.
• The laws are formally framed around terrorism offences rather than explicitly stating 'Palestinians only' in their text, though their practical application falls exclusively on Palestinians due to Israel's dual military-civilian court system.
• The MEP did not cite any source for the claim during the speech, nor did she mention that the laws are linked to the prosecution of terrorism offences.

Sources

• PrimaryUnited Nations (UNISPAL)Joint statement dated 2 April 2026 calling for urgent EU measures following the adoption of the death penalty law by the Israeli Knesset. Notes that although Israeli law has long provided for the death penalty for cases of genocide and wartime espionage, Israel has not carried out executions.
• SecondaryBBC NewsIsrael's parliament has approved a law that would make the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians convicted of deadly terror attacks. The law passed in March 2026.
• SecondaryDeath Penalty Information CenterOn May 11, 2026, lawmakers in Israel passed legislation by a vote of 93–0 creating a special tribunal within the military justice system. This new legislation comes a little more than a month after the Knesset passed the Death Penalty for Terrorists law in March 2026.
• SecondaryAmnesty InternationalWith these bills, the Israeli government is brazenly granting itself carte blanche to impose death sentences on Palestinians. Amnesty characterises the legislation as further entrenching Israel's apartheid.