‘Israel as a beacon of liberal democracy in a world of tyrants is long gone’
Israeli politicians celebrated the passing of a new law to legalise executions for people found guilty of terror attacks against the country, expected to be used almost exclusively on Palestinian prisoners.
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What’s the story?
Champagne was popped by celebrating politicians at Israel's Knesset to mark the passing of a new law.
It is to execute Palestinian prisoners convicted of murdering Israelis, and it passed the second stage to becoming law.
Celebrations were led by Ben Gvir, Israel's far-right minister of national security in Benjamin Netanyahu's government, who told reporters "soon we will count them one by one", as he poured drinks for colleagues while wearing a gold lapel pin shaped like a noose.
“Here we had a celebration over the idea that a law has been passed which is, in effect, discriminatory,” says Jon Sopel.
The new law states that individuals convicted of "acts of terrorism" set to "negate the existence of Israel" would be executed by hanging within 90 days. It is technically applicable to any criminal, but expected to be used to target Palestinians on terror charges.
Emily Maitlis describes it as a “sewer celebration” and hard for anyone to look at, while Lewis Goodall says the scenes are “grotesque”.
A UK statement expresses "deep concern" over the new law, saying Keir Starmer's government is "particularly worried about the de-facto discriminatory character of the bill." "The adoption of this bill would risk undermining Israel’s commitments with regards to democratic principles," it adds.
What this says about Israel
Emily says Israel was once seen as a “shining beacon of democracy” in a “draconian part of the world”, but now in celebrating the approval of executions for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis, it has shown it is no different to its neighbours.
“As soon as you mention October 7 in Israel, there is a national moment of trauma,” Emily says.
“But the trouble with this law is it's not retroactive, so it won't go after any of the perpetrators of October 7. It won't actually chase down terrorists who've acted. It only happens from now on.”
The Knesset vote was won 62 votes to 48, but Emily says she believes there is already serious discontent which could prevent it passing further votes and becoming law.
“I'd be very surprised if it ever got enacted,” she adds.
“But if it does, it is horrific.”
Jon says that footage from Israel such as this, showing far-right members of its government celebrating the potential hanging of Palestinians convicted of deadly terror attacks, continues to diminish its reputation with people everywhere, and of every political persuasion.
“Among Conservatives, not all of them love what Israel does,” he says.
“Among progressive forces in Europe, in America, there's not a lot of love for Israel.
“Israel's position as a beacon of liberal democracy in a world full of tyrants, looks like it's gone long term, and that is so damaging for Israel.”