America comments on Israel's decision regarding the legislation of "execution of prisoners"

SadaNews - The United States said on Monday that it respects Israel's right to determine its own laws after the Israeli Knesset approved a law allowing for the execution of Palestinians convicted of "terrorism" charges, a move that has been strongly criticized by European countries and human rights groups.

A spokesperson for the State Department clarified: "The United States respects Israel's sovereign right to determine its laws and penalties for individuals convicted of terrorism," adding, "We are confident that any such action will be carried out under a fair trial."

The United States is the only member of NATO still applying the death penalty, and it is the main diplomatic and military supporter of Israel.

Prior to the Israeli parliament's approval of the bill, Britain, France, Germany, and Italy expressed on Sunday their "deep concern," stating that this step risks "undermining Israel's commitments to democratic principles."

The general framework of the proposal stipulates that anyone who "intentionally causes the death of another person with the intent to harm an Israeli citizen or resident, and with the intent to end the existence of the State of Israel, shall be punished by death or life imprisonment," according to the text.

The text also states: "The death penalty shall be the default penalty if Israeli military courts classify the crime of murder as a 'terrorist act.'"

In this formulation, Israel can apply the death penalty to any Palestinian citizen who kills an Israeli citizen, but it cannot, in any case, apply it to an Israeli who kills a Palestinian.

Israeli laws prescribe the death penalty, but no execution has been carried out since 1962 when Nazi Adolf Eichmann was executed.