Two non-attached MEPs, Kostas Papadakis and Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos, have submitted a written parliamentary question to the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, demanding a response to Israel's new law authorising the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of 'terrorist attacks' by military tribunals. The MEPs argue that the law, passed by the Knesset, constitutes a new escalation in what they term Israel's 'criminal policy perpetuating the genocide against Palestinians' and accuse the EU of applying double standards by not taking stronger action against an ally.
The question, filed on 3 April 2026 under Rule 144 of the European Parliament's rules of procedure, asks the High Representative/Vice-President to state the EU's position on two specific points: first, the law itself, which the MEPs claim targets Palestinians who 'resist the genocide'; and second, calls for an immediate end to the EU-Israel Association Agreement and an arms embargo on Israel by EU member states. The MEPs criticise the EU for what they see as a pattern of 'hollow concerns' when allies like Israel or Saudi Arabia adopt such measures, contrasting it with the EU's vocal opposition to the death penalty in other countries.
The question contains concrete demands for action—suspension of the Association Agreement and an arms embargo—rather than vague commitments. It reflects a policy orientation that seeks to escalate EU pressure on Israel, framing the death penalty law as part of a broader 'genocide' narrative. The High Representative is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; the answer will signal whether the EU is willing to take a tougher stance or maintain its current diplomatic approach, impacting EU-Israel relations, Palestinian rights advocates, EU foreign policy consistency, and arms exporters in member states.
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