Spain Condemns Israel’s New Death Penalty Law as Discriminatory Shift

              Palestinians hold placards as they take part in a protest, in Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has sharply criticized Israel’s newly approved death penalty law, calling it “another step towards apartheid” due to its unequal application to Palestinians convicted in military courts. 

The Israeli Knesset passed the legislation mandating death by hanging as the default sentence for Palestinians found guilty of deadly attacks. Critics argue that the law’s language effectively excludes most Israeli citizens—particularly Jewish Israelis—from facing the same punishment, despite identical offenses.

Sánchez emphasized the asymmetry, stating that “same crime, different punishment” undermines justice and deepens systemic inequality. His remarks come amid an already tense diplomatic rift between Spain and Israel, intensified by Spain’s condemnation of Israeli actions during the 2023–25 Gaza war and its recent withdrawal of its ambassador. 

The European Commission also expressed concern, calling the law a “clear step backwards” for democratic principles. Israel has not carried out a civilian execution since 1962, making the reintroduction of capital punishment a significant and controversial shift.