Israel Prepares To Execute Palestinians: Why The Dual Justice System Question Arises?

The controversy surrounding the preparation to execute Palestinian prisoners in Israel has intensified following a high-profile visit by a senior government official. Israel's right-wing National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, recently conducted an inspection of a new execution facility's construction site located in central Israel, while during this visit, Ben-Gvir released a video showcasing the progress of the site, which has reignited a fierce global debate over human rights and the legal framework governing the treatment of detainees in the region.

Details of the New Execution Facility

According to detailed reports, the construction site visited by the minister is designed to be a comprehensive complex for capital punishment. The facility includes a dedicated death row wing, the primary structure for the gallows where the hangings will take place, and a specific area designated for the families of victims to witness the execution process. Minister Ben-Gvir emphasized that this development is a fulfillment of his government's promise to implement the death penalty for those convicted of terrorism. He stated that for terrorists, there should be only one punishment: the death penalty.

The Dual Justice System Controversy

The most controversial aspect of this decision is that the death penalty law will, in practice, primarily apply to Palestinians. In March, the Israeli Parliament passed a provision for the death penalty for those convicted of murder in cases related to terrorism. This law is intended to be implemented through military courts, which generally don't prosecute Israeli citizens. Consequently, legal experts and human rights organizations have labeled this as a dual justice system. The matter has been challenged in Israel's Supreme Court, with petitioners arguing that the law violates fundamental rights such as the right to life, dignity, equality, and a fair trial.

Statistics on Palestinian Prisoners

According to the Israeli human rights organization HaMoked, there are currently more than 9300 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Among these, approximately 3200 individuals are being held under administrative detention. Under this system, military commanders can detain a person for up to six months without filing formal charges, and this period can be extended repeatedly, while the basis for such detention is often classified information that neither the accused nor their lawyer is permitted to see.

New Conflict Amid Peace Efforts in Gaza

Ben-Gvir's move comes at a time when the peace process in Gaza remains stalled, while israel demands that Hamas completely lay down its arms before the Israeli military withdraws, while Hamas and mediating countries seek a phased withdrawal of forces. Meanwhile, reports indicate that since the October 2025 ceasefire, more than 1250 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. In the West Bank, at least 76 Palestinians, including 18 children, have reportedly died this year due to actions by the Israeli military or settlers.

Ben-Gvir's History of Controversial Statements

Itamar Ben-Gvir has been a figure of controversy previously due to his provocative statements. Recently, he advocated for the targeted killing of dozens of people every night in Gaza and made highly objectionable remarks about certain Palestinians. His statements have drawn criticism from various organizations. In this context, the decision to build a gallows is sparking a new debate regarding the limits of law, human rights, and punishment within the Israel-Palestine conflict.