31 March 2026 :

March 31, 2026 - Israel. Before it comes into force, the new law on the death penalty must be reviewed by the Constitutional Court

Yesterday, the Knesset, Israel’s unicameral parliament comprising 120 members, passed the death penalty bill by 62 votes to 48 (with 10 absent).

From a ‘parliamentary’ perspective, the law is ‘final’, given that in Israel there is no requirement for ratification by the President of the Republic, as there is in Italy.
However, in Israel the Supreme Court operates differently from its Italian counterpart and can intervene before a law comes into force.

Immediately following its approval, civil rights organisations and Palestinian groups lodged appeals with the Supreme Court, seeking the law’s annulment. Given the high level of domestic and international opposition, it is likely that the Court will scrutinise the text with particular care. Only after a ruling by the Constitutional Court would the new law, if applicable, become enforceable.

(Source: HoC)