National Security Minister MK Itamar Ben-Gvir has appointed six members of bereaved families from the Choosing Life Forum as official inspectors under the Death Penalty for Terrorists Law, Ben-Gvir confirmed on Wednesday.
Among those appointed are Herzl Hajaj, father of Lt. Shir Hajaj, who was murdered in the Armon Hanatziv ramming attack, and Boaz Kokia, father of Sgt. Ron Kokia, who was murdered in a terrorist attack in Arad.
The official inspectors will play a central role in overseeing the conditions of the terrorists sentenced to death, and are granted supervisory powers regarding the implementation of the law.
“The Death Penalty for Terrorists Law is intended to restore deterrence to the State of Israel and make clear to every terrorist that anyone who chooses to murder Jews will pay the highest possible price,” Ben-Gvir stated.
“No one is more deserving than families who have paid the heaviest price in the fight against terrorism to be part of the oversight mechanism for implementing the law. This appointment reflects recognition of the pain of terror victims and their right to be partners in the struggle for justice and deterrence.”
The law will also allow inspectors to be present during the execution of death sentences as part of their oversight and monitoring role.
“For years, we fought against the favorable conditions enjoyed by the murderers of our loved ones in order to create deterrence and prevent the next murder. I would like to thank National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for the revolution he has led regarding terrorists imprisoned in Israel. For years, terrorists enjoyed conditions and benefits that were beyond reason, while the families of those murdered and injured were left to cope alone with the pain and loss. Minister Ben-Gvir led a profound change in this policy and restored the understanding that a terrorist’s place is in prison under minimal conditions, not at a summer camp funded by Israeli citizens,” Herzl Hajaj said on behalf of the families.
“Our appointment as official inspectors is a direct continuation of that same approach. It sends a clear message that the State of Israel stands with the victims, not with the murderers. For us, this is a mission carried out in the name of our loved ones who were murdered and on behalf of all Israeli citizens. We will work to ensure that the law is fully implemented, out of commitment to justice, deterrence, and the security of the state. Terrorists must know that anyone who chooses to murder Jews will bear full responsibility for their actions, and the State of Israel will do whatever is necessary to protect its citizens and ensure that justice is done.”
Source:
www.jpost.com
