Israel's observer status at the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly could be at risk following the passage of a controversial new law mandating the death penalty for certain offenses.
Petra Bayr, president of the Parliamentary Assembly, said that rejecting capital punishment is a fundamental requirement for maintaining observer status within the body. She warned that Israel’s position could be suspended if the law is implemented or remains in force.
The legislation, passed by Israel’s parliament, mandates the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of certain deadly acts in military courts in occupied territories. Critics argue that the law creates unequal legal standards, as similar cases handled in civilian courts may result in life imprisonment instead.
Human rights organizations have raised serious concerns, calling the law discriminatory and incompatible with international legal standards. Petitions have already been filed in Israel’s Supreme Court challenging the legislation, with opponents hoping it will be struck down.
Israel has held observer status at the Council of Europe assembly since 1957. While suspensions are rare, precedent exists for disciplinary action. Russia, for example, lost voting rights in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea and later withdrew from the organization after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The issue is expected to be discussed further in upcoming assembly sessions, including a broader report on capital punishment that urges Israel to maintain its longstanding policy against the death penalty and avoid expanding its use.
Within Israel, the law has also faced opposition. Some political figures have described it as inconsistent with democratic values and expressed confidence that the judiciary will review its legality.
Israel largely abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1954 and has maintained a de facto moratorium for decades. The last execution carried out in the country was in 1962.
As debate continues, the controversy surrounding the law highlights broader tensions between national security policies and international human rights commitments, with potential diplomatic consequences for Israel’s engagement with European institutions.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
