Israel has only imposed the death penalty once: against the Nazi war criminal Eichmann. Now, however, the country wants to impose the death penalty “against terrorists.” Foreign Minister Baerbock is concerned – also about a possible restriction of the independence of the judiciary in Israel.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock conveyed to her Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen Germany’s concerns about plans to introduce the death penalty. “We are firmly opposed to the death penalty and we are addressing it all over the world,” said the Green politician in Berlin at a meeting with her counterpart Cohen. This belongs to the new Israeli right-wing religious government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“States around the world are moving away from this cruel practice, in part because it has been shown to be ineffective as a deterrent,” Baerbock said. In Germany, you learn in school that Israel, although it is threatened by terror like no other country, has only carried out the death penalty once in its history – against the Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann. “That was always a powerful argument for those of us who have defended Israel against unfair criticism on the international stage,” Baerbock continued. “I therefore say as a friend: I am convinced that it would be a big mistake to break with this story.”
Israel’s ultra-right government introduced a bill on Sunday to introduce the death penalty. The cabinet voted in favor of a bill by Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s party that would allow courts to “impose the death penalty on terrorists.” The controversial proposal still has to pass several readings in Parliament before it can come into force. A first vote is expected on Wednesday. The proposed law is very controversial in Israel.
Baerbock also expressed concern about the planned change in the judicial system in Israel. “One of the values ??that unites us is the protection of rule of law principles such as the independence of the judiciary. That was always a hallmark of Israel,” said Baerbock. “I don’t want to hide the fact that we are worried abroad,” she said, referring to the Israeli government’s current legislative plans.
Baerbock said she expressed her concerns in a conversation with Cohen. The federal government is “firmly convinced that a strong democracy needs an independent judiciary that can also review majority decisions,” she continued. Fundamental rights are “by their very nature minority rights,” emphasized the Foreign Minister.
For weeks, nationwide demonstrations have been taking place in Israel against the change in the judicial system sought by the ultra-right government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The first parts of the bill have already been approved by the Knesset. Among other things, the government should be given more influence in the selection of judges; In addition, Parliament should be able to overturn decisions of the Supreme Court with a simple majority in the future. Critics see this as an attack on the separation of powers in democracy.
