The Knesset on Wednesday 9 Sivan passed a new bill into law that will permit harsher sentencing on terrorists involved in planning terror attacks and heading terror cells. The bill, initiated by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, passed in a 57 to 16 vote.

The new law permits a court to convict terrorists who are involved in the planning of attack and sentence them to a maximum of 25 years’ imprisonment. Terrorists using a chemical, radioactive or biological weapon would face mandatory life imprisonment. Such a terrorist would not be eligible for parole for 15 years.

A terrorist involved in weapons dealings would face a maximum of 10 years and those supporting terrorism would face a maximum of nine years. One expressing support of acts of terror can face a three years’ imprisonment.

In addition, the law grants the Prime Minister and Defense Minister the authority to declare a group a “terrorist organizations” and thereby illegal if such a move enjoys the support of the Attorney General and Shin Bet.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)