The vote to approve the bill for first reading went ahead despite a request from the Prime Minister's Office, according to Israel's national security minister.
The Knesset National Security Committee on Sunday approved for first reading a bill that would impose the death penalty on terrorists.
Committee members voted to advance the law, which was introduced by Otzma Yehudit Party Knesset member Limor Son Har-Melech, despite warnings by Israel Defense Forces Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch, coordinator for the captives and missing, that the move could endanger the hostages held by Hamas.
“I asked that this discussion not be held; I asked the prime minister not to bring the matter before the plenum before a discussion in the Cabinet, where I would present my assessment,” Hirsch told lawmakers.
