According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, The Council of Europe has raised concerns that Israel’s observer status in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) could be suspended following the adoption of a new death penalty law targeting Palestinians.
Israel currently holds observer status within PACE, a body under the Council of Europe framework responsible for promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law among participating states.
PACE President Petra Bayr stated that adherence to the abolition of the death penalty is a fundamental requirement for observer status. She warned that recent legislative developments in Israel could be seen as incompatible with that condition, as well as broader international legal and ethical standards. Bayr added that suspension of Israel’s observer status is now under consideration, with parliamentary discussions expected in the coming sessions.
The law in question was passed by the Israeli Knesset on 31 March, receiving 62 votes in favour. It introduces capital punishment for Palestinians convicted of murder cases classified as having “terrorist motivation” against the Israeli state. However, the legislation has been widely criticized for applying only to Palestinians, while not extending the same sentencing provisions to Jewish Israelis.
The measure has prompted strong reactions from Palestinian representatives, international human rights organizations, and several European lawmakers, who argue that the law is discriminatory in nature and undermines established human rights principles.
The debate within the Council of Europe is expected to intensify as member states review Israel’s compliance with observer obligations in the context of the newly adopted legislation and its implications for international legal norms.
