Israel passes law imposing death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terror attacks, US respects its 'right'

Israel's parliament has passed a controversial law mandating the death penalty for West Bank Palestinians convicted of terrorist acts. The move, backed by the far-right National Security Minister, has drawn sharp criticism from the European Union, United Nations, and human rights groups.

Key takeaways

Quick scan — what you need to know:

• Israel's parliament has passed a controversial law mandating the death penalty for West Bank Palestinians convicted of terrorist acts.
• The move, backed by the far-right National Security Minister, has drawn sharp criticism from the European Union, United Nations, and human rights groups.
• The US, however, stated it respects Israel's right to set its own laws.

Background

What led here, in plain terms:

• The move, backed by the far-right National Security Minister, has drawn sharp criticism from the European Union, United Nations, and human rights groups.
• The US, however, stated it respects Israel's right to set its own laws.

Why it matters

Why readers and decision-makers should care:

• The US, however, stated it respects Israel's right to set its own laws.
• Israel's parliament has passed a controversial law mandating the death penalty for West Bank Palestinians convicted of terrorist acts.
• The move, backed by the far-right National Security Minister, has drawn sharp criticism from the European Union, United Nations, and human rights groups.