On the afternoon of May 12, just a few hours after the Knesset returned from its spring break, Science Minister Yaakov Peri (Yesh Atid Party) appealed a decision by the Ministerial Committee on Legislation approving the “Murderers Law” initiated by Knesset member Ayelet Shaked (HaBayit HaYehudi Party) and David Tsur (Hatnua Party). The proposed law would have limited the ability to grant clemency to terrorists who committed murder.
In explaining the reasons for the appeal, Peri, former head of the Shin Bet, argued that the proposed law, which enables the court to prevent the president from granting a pardon to terrorists, would harm Israel’s ability to conduct negotiations. He stated that these negotiations were vital to the diplomatic and security interests of the state.