Bennett supports death penalty for terrorists

Jewish Home chairman Naftali Bennett lent his support to a bill that would legislate the death penalty for convicted terrorists.

The bill, initiated by Yisrael Beytenu and one of the party’s campaign points before the election, will be brought to the ministerial committee on legislation next week. It was submitted by Sharon Gal, a newcomer to the party.

Likud officials are still debating whether to support the bill.

Bennett wrote on his Facebook page: A terrorist murderer … must know he ends his life as soon as he takes someone’s life. It is moral and it is correct.”

Bennett called on Zionist Union leader Isaac Herzog and Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid to support the bill “and send a message that on these issues, there is no coalition and opposition.”

According to the bill, a person convicted of murder under terrorist circumstances will be put to death. Additionally, people convicted in terrorist activity in the West Bank in which innocent citizens died will be put to death.

Currently, only a panel of judges can decide on a death penalty and their decision must be unanimous. The bill seeks to allow a single judge to rule for the death penalty.

Officially, the death penalty is not illegal in Israel. It was only used once in the entire history of the state, when Nazi Adolf Eichmann was brought to trial in Israel, convicted and executed.