Israel’s New Death Penalty Law Sparks Global Condemnation, Wilson Lalengke: “Respect Human Rights, Abolish This Law

Jakarta I  Gebrak24.com - The Israeli Knesset has ignited a storm of controversy after approving legislation that reinstates the death penalty by hanging for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis. The law, passed on March 31, 2026, with 62 votes in favour and 48 against, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights defenders worldwide, who warn that thousands of Palestinian detainees could face execution under its provisions.

The bill was championed by far right members of the coalition government, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Its passage marks a dramatic departure from Israel’s long standing restraint on capital punishment, which has been used only once in the country’s history - the execution of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962.

Critics argue the legislation is discriminatory, as it explicitly applies to Palestinians convicted of attacks against Israelis. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the law as a violation of international standards, warning that it risks arbitrary application and undermines the principle of equality before the law.

More than 2,000 objections were filed against the bill before its passage, but all were rejected. The law is now expected to face challenges in Israel’s Supreme Court, which has historically been cautious about capital punishment.

*International Legal Framework*

The new law stands in stark contradiction to international human rights norms. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) affirms the right to life and dignity, while the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) restricts the death penalty to “the most serious crimes” and urges states to move toward abolition. Israel is a party to the ICCPR, meaning it is legally bound by its provisions.

Furthermore, the UN General Assembly has repeatedly passed resolutions since 2007 calling for a moratorium on executions, emphasizing that capital punishment undermines human dignity and risks irreversible miscarriages of justice. The Convention Against Torture (CAT) also prohibits cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment, and hanging has long been criticized internationally as a cruel method of execution.

Globally, the trend is clear: more than two‑thirds of countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice. Israel’s decision to reintroduce it places the country at odds with this movement and risks further isolating it diplomatically.

*Wilson Lalengke’s Strong Condemnation*

Wilson Lalengke, an international human rights defender and Chairman of the Indonesian Citizen Journalists Association (Persatuan Pewarta Warga Indonesia – PPWI), issued a powerful statement condemning the Knesset’s decision. He emphasized that Israel must respect and obey international human rights instruments.

“The Israeli Knesset has taken a dangerous and shameful step backward. By approving this death penalty law, they are violating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the ICCPR, and the very principles of justice that underpin international law. This legislation is discriminatory, targeting Palestinians alone, and risks becoming a tool of oppression rather than justice,” Lalengke declared.

He urged Israel’s Supreme Court to act decisively. “I call on the Supreme Court of Israel to abolish this law immediately. The judiciary must stand as the guardian of human rights and prevent the government from trampling on the right to life. If Israel wishes to be respected as a democracy, it must uphold the rule of law and human dignity, not undermine them.”

*Risks of Escalation*

Observers warn that the law could inflame tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, already strained by decades of conflict. The prospect of executions could spark unrest in Palestinian territories and provoke international backlash, further isolating Israel diplomatically.

Human rights defenders stress that capital punishment does not deter violence but instead perpetuates cycles of injustice. Lalengke echoed this concern by saying “Killing prisoners will not bring peace. It will deepen hatred, fuel conflict, and destroy any remaining trust in Israel’s institutions. Justice must be restorative, not retributive. The path to peace lies in dialogue, fairness, and respect for human rights - not in the gallows.”

The UN Human Rights Office is expected to scrutinize the law, and international NGOs have already mobilized campaigns urging Israel to reverse course. European Union officials have signaled concern, noting that the death penalty is incompatible with EU values and international human rights standards.

Lalengke called on the global community to act decisively. “The world cannot remain silent. Governments, civil society, and international organizations must pressure Israel to repeal this law. Silence in the face of injustice is complicity. We must defend the right to life for all people, regardless of nationality or political conflict.”

*Upholding Principles of Justice*

The controversy underscores the importance of universal principles i.e. the right to life enshrined in the UDHR and ICCPR is non‑negotiable. Also, the equality before the law demands that legislation apply equally to all without discrimination and human dignity requires that punishments respect the inherent worth of every person.

Furthermore, hanging is widely condemned as cruel, and judicial independence obliges courts to safeguard rights against political overreach. By reinstating the death penalty, Israel risks undermining these principles and eroding its democratic credibility.

The Knesset’s approval of the death penalty law for Palestinians represents a watershed moment in Israel’s legal and political landscape. While proponents claim it strengthens deterrence, critics argue it violates international law, discriminates against Palestinians, and threatens to destabilize the region.

Wilson Lalengke’s voice adds moral weight to the global condemnation. His call for Israel’s Supreme Court to abolish the law reflects a broader demand: that Israel respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the ICCPR, and the global consensus against capital punishment.

The future of this law now rests with Israel’s judiciary and the pressure of international opinion. Whether Israel chooses to uphold human rights or pursue punitive measures will shape not only its domestic justice system but also its standing in the global community. (APL/Ed)