Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has expressed Canada’s strong disapproval of Israel’s recent enactment of a death penalty law, citing its alleged targeting of Palestinians. Anand criticized the law as discriminatory and accused it of facilitating illegal settler violence while dehumanizing Palestinians. She emphasized Canada’s firm opposition to the law’s implementation, reaffirming the country’s commitment to human rights and the global campaign against the death penalty.
The law, passed by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, establishes the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis, with West Bank military courts mandated to impose hanging as the default sentence in most cases. Israeli courts are granted the authority to decide between death penalty and life imprisonment for Israeli citizens, with the law applying only to future cases and not retroactively.
In response to Canada’s criticism, the Israeli embassy defended the law, stating that it falls within the country’s legislative sovereignty and aims to address severe terrorism challenges faced by Israel. The statement clarified that Israeli courts retain discretion over the application of capital punishment, which is already permitted under existing Israeli law.
Several countries, including Australia, Germany, the U.K., and France, issued a joint statement expressing concerns over the discriminatory nature of the law and its potential impact on democratic principles in Israel. Ireland’s foreign minister also condemned the law, echoing criticisms from various quarters, including Israelis, Palestinians, international rights groups, and the United Nations.
Despite the law’s scheduled implementation in 30 days, legal challenges at Israel’s highest court could delay its enforcement. The passage of the law signaled the culmination of efforts by Israel’s far-right factions to increase penalties for Palestinians convicted of crimes against Israelis, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally voting in favor of the legislation.
The law’s approval sparked protests across Palestinian territories, with demonstrators denouncing the legislation. The timing of Anand’s statement coincided with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s condemnation of Israel’s incursion into Lebanon, which he deemed illegal and a violation of territorial integrity. Israel’s military action in southern Lebanon followed Hezbollah’s missile attacks on northern Israel in the midst of escalating tensions with Iran, leading to significant displacement and evacuation orders in affected areas.