The Israeli parliament (Knesset) on Monday evening approved, in its first reading, a bill allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners. The proposal was submitted by Knesset member Limor Son Har-Melech of the far-right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party.

The bill passed with 39 votes in favour and 16 against, and was referred to the relevant parliamentary committee for preparation before the second and third readings.

The Knesset also passed a similar parallel bill proposed by opposition member Oded Forer from the Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel Our Home) party. This proposal received 37 votes in favour and 14 against, reflecting cooperation between members of the ruling coalition and the opposition in targeting the Palestinian prisoners’ movement in Israeli jails.