Sánchez Criticizes Israel's Death Penalty: A Step Towards Apartheid

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has condemned the approval of the death penalty by the Israeli Parliament for Palestinians accused of terrorist murder. Through a message on the social network X, Sánchez argued that this measure is “asymmetrical” because it would not apply to Israelis who commit the same crimes. The leader emphasized that “same crime, different penalty, that is not justice” and added that “the world cannot remain silent”.

The Spanish president's pronouncement comes in a context of growing diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel, marked by different positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the actions of the Israeli government in the occupied territories.

The Knesset, the Israeli parliament, approved the legal reform that establishes the death penalty by hanging for those convicted of terrorist murder. The vote resulted in 62 votes in favor and 48 against, showing majority support for the initiative. The law obliges military courts, except for unspecified exceptions, to impose this penalty on Palestinians residing in the West Bank.

This legislative decision has been the subject of criticism from human rights organizations, who warn about its potential unequal application and the impact on the Palestinian population.

The legal reform introduces different treatment for Israeli citizens, who are tried by ordinary courts. These courts have more leeway to opt for life imprisonment and are subject to stricter requirements to apply the death penalty. This disparity in the judicial system has generated controversy and concern about fairness and respect for human rights.

International organizations and human rights defenders have expressed their rejection of this measure, arguing that it undermines the fundamental principles of equality before the law.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the legal reform during the parliamentary vote. The initiative was promoted by the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, a leader of the Israeli far right. Sánchez's words are framed in a context of deterioration of relations between both governments, aggravated by previous tensions and differences in foreign policy.

Spain's criticisms add to the existing tensions over the recognition of the Palestinian state and other bilateral decisions, further complicating diplomatic relations between both countries.

Sánchez's criticism comes at a time of diplomatic tension due to the war in Gaza. Previously, the Spanish government had criticized Israel for preventing the celebration of Palm Sunday mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This incident triggered a response from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who accused the head of the Spanish Executive of “inciting hatred” against Israel.

These events reflect a significant deterioration in bilateral relations, marked by ideological and political differences around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.