The renewed discussion of what has become known as the “Law for the Execution of Palestinian Prisoners,” which was recently brought forward for approval in the Israeli Knesset and passed its preliminary reading last Wednesday, adds to a long list of racist measures, decisions, and laws initiated by the “fascist regime” since it was formed under Netanyahu’s leadership, who personally endorsed the law.

This is not the first time this bill has been proposed for discussion—it has been introduced several times before but stalled for various reasons. However, under this government, the most extreme in Israel’s history, it has become certain that this law, which specifically targets Palestinians, will be enacted after receiving further approvals.

Mezan Center for Human Rights in Nazareth affirms that this government, the most hostile toward Palestinians compared to previous ones, is moving forward with implementing racist decisions, laws, and measures to institutionalize them as core values of the Israeli system. This is being done despite opposition from the government’s legal advisor, who warned of the difficulties this law would pose in relation to international human rights law.

In light of this, Mezan calls for an organized legal response from all local human rights institutions, as well as in various international forums, to take serious steps against these racist, reckless, and out-of-control laws and measures, which carry dangerous implications for everything Palestinian and Arab. This is especially critical considering that since its formation on December 29, 2022, this government has passed more than 50 racist laws and decisions that specifically target Palestinians and violate their human rights, according to Mezan’s monitoring.

Mezan Center for Human Rights – Nazareth
Sunday – 5 March 2023