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62 Knesset Members Endorse Death Penalty Law for Palestinian Prisoners

Jerusalem: Israel's Knesset has passed a controversial law permitting the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners, with 62 lawmakers supporting the bill, 47 opposing it, and one abstaining, based on an official Knesset voting record. The legislation, spearheaded by the far-right Jewish Power party and led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, successfully passed its second and third readings in the legislative body.

According to Anadolu Agency, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voted in favor of the bill, which had initially passed its first reading in November. The law's approval has sparked criticism, with detractors arguing that its implementation would predominantly target Palestinian prisoners, raising concerns about potential discriminatory enforcement.

The passage of the bill highlighted significant divisions within the Knesset, particularly between the ruling coalition and opposition parties, which include Arab parties. The vote underscored the contentious nature of the legislation and its impact on Israeli politics.