Yisrael Beitenu MK Robert Ilatov earlier in the week sent a letter to coalition whip MK (Likud) David Bitan seeking the coalition’s support for the bill, a bill that calls for a mandatory death sentence for a terrorist. He reminds Bitan of the coalition agreement that compels coalition partners to entertain legislation calling for the death penalty for terrorists.

While there is a death penalty on the books, it has not been used since the execution of Eichmann for fear of what will happen to IDF personnel if captured by the enemy. By having the terrorists alive in Israel, they serve as bargaining chips to negotiate for the return of POWs or their remains. This has become the long-standing policy, which has led to prisoner exchange deals over the years.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)