Europe warns Israel over death penalty bill

European governments are raising alarms over a proposed Israeli law that would expand the use of the death penalty, warning it could be applied in a discriminatory way against Palestinians.

In a joint statement released via Germany’s foreign office on Sunday, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom said they had “deep concern” about the legislation, which is expected to face a vote in Israel’s parliament in the coming days.

“We are 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,” the statement said.

The bill is being advanced by Israel’s far-right government and is set for its second and third readings in the Knesset. If approved, it is likely to be challenged in court and reviewed by the Supreme Court.

The timing of the proposal adds to the scrutiny. It comes as Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza and as violence in the occupied West Bank has intensified, including attacks involving both the military and settlers.

Rights groups argue the legislation would formalise unequal treatment within the legal system. Amnesty International has warned that the proposed changes would turn the death penalty into “another discriminatory tool in Israel’s system of apartheid”.

“These amendments mean that the most extreme and irrevocable punishment is being reserved for, and weaponised against, Palestinians,” the organisation said earlier this year.

Concerns have also been raised at the United Nations level. A group of UN human rights experts said the bill would remove key safeguards by limiting judicial and prosecutorial discretion. That, they argue, would prevent courts from taking into account individual circumstances or applying proportionate sentencing.

Pressure is also coming from European institutions. Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset reiterated the organisation’s position against capital punishment.

“The Council of Europe opposes the death penalty in all places and in all circumstances,” he said, calling on Israeli authorities to abandon the proposal.