The bill to impose the death penalty on terrorists is expected to be voted on in the Knesset plenum today (Monday), but it does not have overwhelming support among the coalition factions.
The Torah Banner announced this morning that they will oppose the proposal. This comes after conservative Rabbi Lando ordered the faction's Knesset members to vote against the law last night.
Among the yeshiva's reasons: "There is a haunting fear here, because if Arabs all over the world see that we are doing something like this, it could cause bloodshed. In any case, there is no chance that a court will approve the death penalty, and therefore this is a provocation for its own sake.".
In Agudat Israel, Knesset members are expected to be absent from the vote. The Shas faction has not yet made a final decision on how Knesset members will conduct the vote, and the issue is in internal discussions.
Otzma Yehudit Chairman, Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, responded: "Unfortunately, Rabbi Gafni has once again chosen his old alliance with Tibi. Gafni's constant squinting towards the left is contrary to the position of his voters who are persecuted by the left. The death penalty for terrorists will also do justice and deter the families of Haredim who were murdered in the attacks, and I expect all Haredim members of Knesset to support this law that saves lives, and not to believe the false promises of the left and the Arab parties.".
The law is being promoted by the Otzma Yehudit faction, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
A poignant letter from the bereaved families
The 'Choose Life' forum, which brings together hundreds of bereaved families and victims of terrorism, sent a strong letter today to members of the United Torah Judaism faction of the Knesset, demanding that they not oppose the death penalty law for terrorists.
In the letter, the families write: “We, hundreds of bereaved families and victims of terrorism who are members of the ‘Choose Life’ forum, turn to you with pain and an unequivocal demand: Do not vote against the death penalty law for terrorists.”
It also reads: “In the past two years, as part of terrorist release deals, we have seen with our own eyes how cruel murderers, who cut off the lives of our loved ones with unprecedented cruelty, are set free. These deals were made possible, among other things, with the full support of the United Torah Judaism faction.”
The families emphasize that for them the law is “the beginning of a correction and the end of a consolation”: “No one will give us back our sons and daughters. No one will give us back justice. But there is one thing that could be the beginning of a correction and the end of a consolation for us: a death penalty law for terrorists. This law is not just a matter of justice, it is a life-saving law. It will deter potential terrorists, prevent their release in future deals, and ensure that the blood of our loved ones is not shed in vain.
The letter concluded: “You do not have the privilege, and you must not have the audacity, to overturn this law. If you are unable to vote in favor – at least abstain. Do not stand with the murderers. Do not stand against the broken families who have already lost everything. In the name of the hundreds of families of the forum, in the name of our loved ones who will never return home, in the name of the justice that the people of Israel deserve, we demand: Do not vote against the law. Do not deprive us of the only remaining piece of comfort.”
Join the Haredim 10 Facebook page >>
Join the X page of Haredim 10 >>
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
