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Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, was pictured in parliament on Monday wearing a noose pendant on his lapel, as he continues to push for Palestinian prisoners to be handed the death penalty.
Posting on X, Ben Gvir boasted about wearing the icon, along with other members of his Otzma Yehudit party, in support of legislation currently passing through the parliament.
"I and the members of my Otzma Yehudit faction arrived today at the National Security Committee discussions to continue advancing the death penalty for terrorists, while wearing a pin in the shape of a hangman's noose - as a symbol of our commitment to passing the law and as a clear message that terrorists are sons of death," he wrote.
"The time has come for the death penalty for terrorists!"
Ben Gvir celebrated last month after a bill allowing the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners passed its first reading.
Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newslettersThe bill was approved by a majority of 39 out of 120 Knesset members, with 16 voting against in Israel's parliament.
It would allow judges to impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis on so-called “nationalistic” grounds.
The legislation would not apply to Israelis who kill Palestinians under similar circumstances.
The bill now requires two more readings in the Knesset before it can become an official law.
Hamas called the legislation "fascist and sadistic" and called for global action against Israel, including "deterrent sanctions".
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Read More »Palestinian Islamic Jihad said the bill's passing was "a dangerous criminal escalation".
Though Israel has never formally abolished the death penalty, Nazi official Adolf Eichmann is the only person to have been executed by the State of Israel following a civilian trial.
Speaking during a hearing on the bill at the National Security Committee, Ben Gvir said that the noose was just “one of the options through which we will implement the death penalty law for terrorists.
“Of course, there is the option of the gallows, the electric chair and also the option of euthanasia,” he said.
Rights groups have opposed the bill, while it is expected to encounter constitutional hurdles.
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