Israel's Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Israel Katz, made a significant announcement during an address to the Minister of Justice, Yariv Levin, on Tuesday evening. Katz called for the immediate establishment of a special military court, drawing inspiration from a legal precedent in the United States. The purpose of this court would be to prosecute Hamas terrorists under an amended law initially designed for prosecuting Nazis and their associates, with the possibility of imposing the death penalty.
The proposed amendment to the legislation encompasses several key aspects:
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Death Penalty for Hamas Terrorists: The amendment seeks to introduce the death penalty for individuals associated with the Hama terrorist organizations. This represents a strong stance by the Israeli government against terrorism.
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Trial of Citizens for Treason and Aiding Terrorism: Additionally, the amendment aims to facilitate the trial of Israeli citizens involved in treasonous activities or aiding terrorism. This provision underscores the government's commitment to holding its own citizens accountable for supporting terrorist activities.
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Denial of Citizenship to Hamas Supporters: The proposed amendment goes a step further by suggesting the denial of citizenship to individuals found to be supporters of the Hamas terrorist organization. This measure is intended to deter any association with or support for Hamas.
Minister Katz is actively seeking guidance from international law experts to ensure that the proposed changes align with global legal standards and norms.
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ā ×ש×Ø×× ×āׄ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) October 24, 2023
While there are several legislative initiatives regarding this matter, one notable effort was made by Member of Knesset Amit Halevi, who recently introduced the bill titled "Prosecution of Hamas Terrorists and Their Accomplices." This bill has garnered support from 40 Members of Knesset, spanning both the coalition and the opposition. However, the proposal under consideration is not solely a legislative initiative. Minister Levin's office is reportedly conducting a comprehensive examination of the potential legal consequences and implications.
The complexity of this issue extends beyond the punishment of terrorists to encompass various aspects. These include determining which court will oversee these trials, the possibility of separate or group trials for the accused, and other logistical considerations.
In a heartfelt letter to Minister Levin, Katz emphasized his personal connection to the matter. "As a son of Holocaust survivors," he wrote, "I believe with all my heart that this is not a far-fetched comparison. The actions of the vile criminals from Hamas, who engaged in heinous acts such as beheadings, amputations, abuse, burning, and rape, do not fall short of the severity of the actions of the Nazis, may their name be erased."
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ā ×¢×Ø×ׄ ×× ×”×Ŗ (@KnessetT) October 24, 2023
These developments come on the heels of a release by the Shin Bet and the police of a chilling video featuring six Hamas terrorists who were part of a commando force responsible for a massacre in Israeli communities. The video includes interviews with these terrorists, shedding light on the extent of their actions and the ideological guidance they received to commit atrocities.
One of the terrorists, arrested by security forces after participating in an attack on Kibbutz Alumim, provided shocking details during his interrogation. "The plan was to go from house to house, from room to room, throw grenades, and kill everyone there, including women and children," he confessed. "Hamas ordered us to do the following: trample on their heads and cut them off, cut off their legs."
