BICOM

The Knesset yesterday approved a law which allows courts to convict murderers under a special category which will restrict their chances of a commuted sentence, ruling them out of being part of any future prisoner releases.

The issue came to the fore earlier this year, after Israel agreed to release more than 100 Palestinian prisoners, as part of an agreement to re-start peace talks with the Palestinian Authority. Many of those released had been convicted of murder in terror attacks. The negotiations ended before agreement could be reached over the fourth and final batch of prisoners to be freed. However, each of the initial three releases faced legal challenges and protests by the families of those murdered by the prisoners in question.

The legislation approved yesterday, which was proposed by Jewish Home MK Ayelet Shaked and Hatnuah MK David Tzur, will allow courts to set a new category of “Murder under extraordinarily severe circumstances.” Those convicted of such a charge will not face a parole committee until having served 15 years and cannot have their sentence reduced to less than 40 years. The regulations will effectively rule such convicts out of any future prisoner release deal.

Yesterday, 35 Knesset members voted in favour of the legislation, 15 against. Shaked praised the vote, saying it will give judges “the power to do justice and strengthen the sense of security among the citizens.” Tzur commented that the law will “do justice” for “the victims’ families.” However, Meretz leader Zahava Galon MK argued it would further thwart “any chance of reaching a [peace] agreement.”

Also yesterday, the Knesset opposition factions held a rare joint press conference at which they vowed to work together to fight the proposed 2015 budget. Opposition and Labour Party leader Isaac Herzog MK said he will leave “no stone unturned” to expose the reality of a budget which offers “no hope.” Meanwhile, Shas leader Aryeh Deri MK commented, “The government should be embarrassed by what it is doing.”