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Israel’s parliament has passed legislation establishing the death penalty as the standard punishment for Palestinians found guilty of carrying out deadly attacks.

Opponents of the measure have labeled it discriminatory, while several European governments have cautioned that it could erode “democratic principles.”

The bill cleared its third and final reading in the Knesset on Monday by a vote of 62 to 48, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu among those supporting it.

Under the law, Palestinians convicted in Israeli military courts of committing attacks classified as “acts of terrorism” would face execution by hanging within 90 days. The timeline could be delayed by up to 180 days in certain circumstances.

Although the legislation theoretically allows for Jewish Israelis to face the same punishment, such cases are considered highly unlikely. The law specifies that executions would apply only when an attack is intended to “negate the existence of the state of Israel.”

The measure was strongly backed by far-right figures, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir playing a central role in advancing it. Following the vote, he wrote on X: "We made history!!! We promised. We delivered."

During Knesset deliberations, she said: "For years, we endured a cruel cycle of terror, imprisonment, release in reckless deals, and the return of these human monsters to murder Jews again."

Yair Golan, leader of the opposition Democrats party, denounced the bill, warning it could trigger international repercussions.

"The death penalty law for terrorists is an unnecessary piece of legislation designed to get Ben-Gvir more likes," he said. "It does not contribute one ounce to Israel's security."

Ahead of the vote, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy issued a joint statement expressing “deep concern,” arguing that the proposal risked “undermining Israel's commitments with regard to democratic principles.”

The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, condemned the law’s passage, stating that it “seeks to legitimise extrajudicial killing under legislative cover.”

Hamas, the group that controls Gaza, said Monday evening that the legislation “threatens the lives” of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails and urged the international community to “ensure the protection of our prisoners.”

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel has already filed a petition with the country’s Supreme Court challenging the law.

“The law is unconstitutional, discriminatory by design and - for West Bank Palestinians - enacted without legal authority,” the organization said in a statement.

Israel’s Supreme Court must now decide whether it will hear the legal challenge.