Israel’s Knesset passed the first reading of a bill introducing the death penalty for terrorism, with a vote of 39 to 16.

Proposed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the bill targets individuals who kill Israelis out of racist motives and intend to harm the State of Israel and the Jewish people.

Critics argue the law would primarily affect Palestinians, rather than Jewish extremists committing attacks on Palestinians.

Similar legislation has failed in previous attempts, and the bill must still pass second and third readings to become law, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Supporters say its goal is to deter terrorism at its root and impose a strong punishment.