Between March and May of 2026, Israel legislated a new death penalty regime which overturned its previous de facto abolitionist stance. It includes two death penalty laws and one West Bank military order, all strictly discriminatory against Palestinians and significantly derogating from due process, defendants’ rights, and Israeli and international law. Here is an executive
Yesterday, the Israeli High Court of Justice issued an order nisi in a petition challenging amendments to the Unlawful Combatants Law, requiring the State to justify provisions delaying judicial review of the detention of thousands of Palestinians from Gaza, currently including four children. Read the full release Read HCJ petition 1414/24 and subsequent materials (Hebrew)
The sexual abuse of Palestinian detainees is drawing wide attention in Israel and around the world, thanks to the work of the Committee Against Torture. Now, facing yet another death penalty law, the Committee is preparing to fight against executions. Your support matters! Read the full newsletter
In her March 2026 transmission to Israeli authorities, the Special Rapporteur on torture conveyed a substantial body of torture allegations — including sexual violence and other serious abuses — and urged Israel to review and revise its detention laws, policies and practices. At the time of publication (May 2026), the authorities had still not responded.
Position of the Public Committee against Torture in Israel, Adalah – The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, Hamoked – Center for the Defense of the Individual, and Physicians for Human Rights Israel, regarding the Penal Law Bill (Amendment – Death Penalty for Terrorists). Having passed committee stage, the bill in its final
A non official translation of the Prosecution of Participants in the October 7, 2023 Massacre Events (Shemini Atzeret Massacre) Bill, 5786–2026
The Prosecution of Participants in the October 7 Massacre Events Bill (5786–2026), expected to be brought to a final vote in the Knesset plenum on May 11, 2026, would establish a special military tribunal to adjudicate Palestinians held in Israeli custody on suspicion of participation in the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023 and the
(5 May 2026) In the summer legislative session that begins Sunday, the Israeli Knesset is expected to vote on a bill to establish a special court for prosecuting those suspected of participating in the October 7, 2023 attacks in southern Israel. The bill would allow designated judges — selected by the Israeli military — to
It’s a sad day at the Public Committee Against Torture (PCATI). And I’ve never been prouder. Last night, the Israeli Knesset passed a racist law authorizing the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of killing for nationalistic reasons. It establishes death by hanging as the default punishment for those crimes, exempting Israeli Jews from its application,
Human Rights and Civil Society Organizations in Israel: Israel’s Death Penalty Law Institutionalizes Discrimination and Racist Violence against Palestinians Monday, March 30, 2026 Today, the Israeli Knesset voted a new, draconian death penalty bill into law by a majority of 62 to 48. In response, a coalition of human rights and civil society organizations in