Harris condemns Israeli death penalty move as 'horrifying' and 'despicable'

Tánaiste condemns Israeli vote on death penalty and warns attacks on peacekeepers could constitute war crimes

Israel's national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, center, and lawmakers celebrate after Israel's parliament passed a law approving the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis, at the Knesset in Jerusalem Monday, March 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Itay Cohen)

A decision by Israel to reintroduce the death penalty has been described as “horrifying” and “despicable” by Tánaiste Simon Harris.

On Monday evening, the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, voted to approve the death penalty by hanging for Palestinians convicted of murder or nationalist offences against Israelis.