Ben Gvir Wears Hanging-Rope Pin at Knesset Hearing on Death Penalty for Terrorists

Otzma Yehudit lawmakers arrived at the Knesset on Monday wearing hanging-rope pins ahead of a preparatory hearing in the National Security Committee on the bill to impose the death penalty on terrorists. The proposed law passed its first reading last month and is now moving toward its second and third readings.

The provocative display highlighted the party’s effort to push the legislation forward in the months after October 7, setting the stage for a hearing marked by confrontations with medical leaders and a rare shift in the Shin Bet’s long-standing position.

Otzma Yehudit said the pin symbolized their commitment to advancing the law and delivering a clear message that terrorists “deserve death.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir told reporters, “Each of us came with the pin because it represents one of the methods by which the death penalty for terrorists can be carried out. There is the option of hanging, the electric chair, and also lethal injection.” 

The hearing drew strong opposition from the medical community. Prof. Hagai Levine, chairman of the Israel Association of Public Health Physicians, told the committee, “We oppose the death penalty law,” adding, “This will traumatize the public.” Ben Gvir insisted the medical profession had no role in determining punishments for terrorists. He added that he had received dozens of offers of assistance since reports surfaced that doctors might refuse involvement, “I’ve received a hundred messages from doctors telling me, ‘Itamar, just tell us when.’”

The bill, introduced by MK Limor Son Har-Melech and backed by additional MKs, passed its first reading in the plenum by a vote of 39–16. It mandates the death penalty for terrorists who murder Israeli civilians out of racism, hostility toward a population group, or an intent to harm Israel or the Jewish people’s national revival.

Opposition MK Gilad Kariv condemned the rope pins as an exploitation of national grief, calling them “a disgusting paraphrase of the hostage pins” and labeling the law “immoral” and “unconstitutional.” 

The National Security Committee will continue preparing the bill for its next readings as political, legal, and professional tensions mount around the proposal.