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Brussels, 31 March 2026.

The recent adoption by the Knesset - with 62 votes out of 120 - of legislation expanding the scope of capital punishment in Israel raises serious concerns. It has to be understood as a political manoeuvre in election times, but it is unfortunately another example of how radical political forces can currently exert influence in the Knesset in times of war.

It is important to be clear: this is not the reintroduction of the death penalty into Israeli law. Capital punishment already exists within Israel's legal framework, like in many of its neighbouring countries and in the Palestinian territories.

However, the newly adopted law would extend its scope, particularly in relation to terrorism-related offences, thereby marking a significant shift in its potential application.

At the same time, the legislative process is not fully concluded. Israel's Supreme Court, which also exercises a form of constitutional review in the absence of a formal written constitution, is expected to assess the law. Many observers anticipate that the Court may ultimately reject it.

As the European Parliament, we maintain a principled and consistent position, which I reiterated personally only five days ago to my Israeli counterpart Ariel Kallner: we oppose the death penalty in all circumstances and everywhere in the world. This position is firmly embedded in the European Union's fundamental values and reflected in its external human rights policy, including the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and longstanding EU guidelines on the death penalty.

We fully recognise Israel's legitimate security concerns and the severity of the terrorist threats it faces. No state should have to endure such violence against its citizens. We also acknowledge the asymmetric threat Israel is facing from terrorists who do not abide by any law, principle or basic human decency, as well as Israel's current limitations when dealing with convicted terrorists who have been released in hostage deals. At the same time, we recall that not abandoning the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights is precisely what distinguishes Israel from terrorists or a terrorist state.

Expanding the use of capital punishment risks undermining these principles. It also raises broader concerns regarding proportionality, judicial safeguards, and the potential long-term implications for justice and deterrence.

The European Parliament will continue to advocate for the universal abolition of the death penalty and to engage with partners, including Israel, on upholding shared commitments to human dignity and the rule of law.

Wednesday 4 February 2026

Statement by Hildegard Bentele MEP, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Israel, responding to media reports on Palestinian detainees held by Israel

"Media reports refer to an official inspection report by Israel's Public Defender's Office, based on visits to Israeli detention facilities holding Palestinian security detainees. These reports describe serious deficiencies in detention conditions, including access to food, medical care, hygiene and basic treatment.

''Israel holds itself to the standard of a democratic state governed by the rule of law. This standard entails clear responsibilities. Defending democracy and the rule of law requires a willingness to scrutinise and correct one's own conduct. That is the expectation I have of the competent Israeli authorities.

''These findings do not stem from external allegations, but from Israeli state bodies themselves. When official inspections identify shortcomings in basic provision and medical care, they must be taken seriously and addressed.

''The Israeli Supreme Court has already ruled that the state has a legal obligation to ensure Palestinian detainees' basic needs, including adequate food, and that certain practices may be unlawful. This ruling sets an unequivocal legal benchmark.

''Against this background, there is a clear need for full clarification, transparency, and, where necessary, swift corrective action. The credibility of the rule of law is demonstrated not only in responding to external threats, but also in how a state treats those in its custody."

Wednesday 14 May 2025

77 Years of Israel - Mazal Tov, Chaverim!
Today, we celebrate the 77th Independence Day of the State of Israel - a day of joy, pride, and remembrance of a courageous new beginning after the Shoah.

As Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Israel, I am deeply committed - both personally and politically - to further strengthening our close partnership: between people, in economic exchange, scientific cooperation, and cultural ties. The EU is Israel's most important trading partner, and our democracies share common values and face many of the same challenges.

Especially in difficult times, it becomes clear that our friendship is not a given - it is a commitment. A commitment to security, to dialogue, and to cooperation - today and in the future. True friends listen to one another, offer advice, and look out for each other. True friends preserve the trust on which their relationship is built. I wish for Israel, as a country and as a society, to find calm and peace again - and to never lose sight of its moral compass, in the words of the late Margot Friedländer: "Be human."

This week also marked the 50th anniversary of EU-Israel trade relations. Now more than ever, we should make full use of these diverse platforms for open and respectful dialogue.

Yom Ha'atzmaut sameach, Israel!

Monday 30 September 2024

Today I was elected Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Israel. It is an honour for me and I am confident that together with my colleagues we will live up to our responsibility and contribute to sustain the broad partnership between the EU and Israel, notably through our relations with the Knesset, that we need to revive in these troubled times.

Our mandate begins at a critical time in the region, with suffering and war, with hostages still detained by the terrorist organisation Hamas, one year after their horrific attacks against Israel. We have to use all our power, all our means of parliamentary diplomacy to support ceasefire efforts and security assurances, to strive for long-lasting peace and stability.

We will commit to enhance dialogue with our Israeli partners, to listen to them, to the Israeli civil society, to build on our partnership to support ongoing efforts to overcome the crisis in the region.

The EU is a firm, longstanding supporter of the Middle East Peace Process and of the two States solution. Our delegation will contribute to the efforts of relaunching this process, namely to the Peace Day initiative, in particular through our direct relation to the Knesset. We should all endeavour to contribute to this crucial objective, in the meetings of our delegation and with our Israeli counterparts.