UPDATE: The Israeli Medical Association (IMA) has urgently voiced its opposition to a controversial government bill that seeks to impose the death penalty on convicted terrorist murderers. This legislation, backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and spearheaded by the opposition party Yisrael Beiteinu, aims to grant courts the authority to impose capital punishment on individuals responsible for terrorist attacks that result in Israeli fatalities.
Currently under scrutiny by the Knesset National Security Committee, the bill has already passed its first reading in the Knesset earlier this month. While death penalties exist in Israeli law for specific crimes, such as treason and war crimes, they have been executed only twice in history—once for Meir Tobianski in 1948 and for Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962.
In an urgent message to medical professionals, Dr. Yossi Walfisch, chair of the IMA’s Ethics Committee, has firmly stated that should the bill become law, physicians must not participate in any aspect of administering the death penalty. He emphasized that “medical ethics prohibit any involvement of physicians in determining, preparing for, or carrying out the death penalty.” He added, “A physician is meant to heal. Using medical knowledge for purposes other than promoting health and well-being undermines the ethical foundations of medicine.”
The bill’s passage through the first reading came as a surprise to some, as both the largest opposition party, Yesh Atid, and Degel HaTorah expressed their intent to vote against it. However, a lack of attendance among opposition members allowed it to progress. It must clear three additional parliamentary stages before it can be enacted into law.
Tensions escalated during the Knesset session, leading to the ejection of three Arab-Israeli MKs. Waleed Taha engaged in heated exchanges with coalition lawmakers, accusing Israel of civilian casualties in Gaza. Meanwhile, Ayman Odeh, leader of Hadash-Ta’al, nearly clashed with Ben-Gvir, labeling him a “terrorist” before security intervened.
The developments surrounding this proposed legislation have ignited a heated debate within Israeli society, invoking strong emotions and moral dilemmas regarding the application of the death penalty. As this situation evolves, the implications for medical ethics and the legal landscape in Israel remain significant.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story, as it continues to impact both public opinion and legislative actions in Israel. Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media using the hashtags #IsraelDeathPenalty #MedicalEthics.
