Israel has implemented a controversial death penalty law targeting Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. According to Israeli daily Haaretz, Central Command chief Avi Bluth signed the order authorizing its enforcement. The law applies to individuals accused of carrying out acts intended to deny the existence of the State of Israel.

The decision has sparked internal objections among Israeli legal and security officials, who argue that West Bank Palestinians are not Israeli citizens, making the law’s application legally and politically problematic. The measure follows a March decision by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, which passed a bill allowing the death penalty for Palestinians accused of killing Israeli citizens, while excluding Jewish Israelis accused of similar crimes.

The law has drawn criticism from several countries and human rights organizations, which describe it as discriminatory and one-sided. Critics warn that such actions could further escalate tensions in the region and undermine principles of justice.