Israeli Prison Service delegation to travel to east Asia to explore implementation of death penalty against Palestinians

A delegation from the Israeli Prison Service (IPS) is expected to travel to a country in East Asia in the coming period to explore the legal aspects and experience of implementing the death penalty for Palestinians, reports on Monday said.

According to the Hebrew-language Channel 13, the IPS has in recent weeks started preparations for the implementation of the death penalty law, to be used on Palestinian prisoners accused by Israel of carrying out or planning attacks.

The law has already passed its first reading in the Israeli parliament and has been pushed by far-right and extremist Israeli ministers, including Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The final draft of the bill, published by Israeli media last month, has already garnered widespread criticism, as Jewish Israelis accused of similar crimes would not face the same punishment, something rights groups and activists say reinforces Israel’s dual legal system rooted in racial and national discrimination.

The report on Monday did not state which specific country the delegation would be heading to in East Asia, but stated that a plan is being formulated within the IPS to establish a separate facility for the executions, dubbed the "Israeli Green Mile".

It also clarified that the executions will be carried out by hanging, with three prison guards carrying out the killing. It further stated that the execution teams will be formed of volunteers, while guards will undergo specialised training.

Israeli sources familiar with the preparations told Channel 13 that the death sentences will be carried out within 90 days of the final verdict, and that the law will be initially applied to Hamas members the IPS alleges were involved in the 7 October attacks.

Information regarding the bill published by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN), said that for Palestinians holding Israeli citizenship, known as 1948 Palestinians, the bill will allow courts to impose either the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of release in any future prisoner exchange.

The draft law also states that prisoners sentenced under the legislation be held in separate detention facilities, barred from receiving visitors except for authorised parties, and subjected to severe restrictions on legal representation. Lawyers would be prohibited from holding face-to-face meetings with those condemned by Israeli courts.

The latest developments come as 12 UN experts earlier this month urged Israel to withdraw the bill, arguing it violates international laws and discriminates against Palestinians.

The UN Special Rapporteurs and Independent Experts said the legislation will create a two-tier legal system and is at odds with the right to life and violates Israel’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The bill was proposed in Israel in November 2025, when it was approved by a majority of 39 Israeli Knesset members. The bill is expected to advance to a second and third reading in the Knesset before it becomes a law.