“To what extent is it possible and desired to sentence terrorists to death” was one of the topics of discussion at a late September 1967 meeting of the Small Coordination Committee, held at the Ministry of Defense.
Summary of Discussion held by the Small Coordination Committee September 29, 1967
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“To what extent is it possible and desired to sentence terrorists to death” was one of the topics of discussion at a late September 1967 meeting of the Small Coordination Committee, held at the Ministry of Defense.
The conclusion reached at the end of the discussion was that while the death penalty was an important tool for deterrence, the committee’s recommendation was to refrain from using it for fear the state would likely be unable to withstand pressures to reverse such sentences. The committee also determined that political factors should be taken into account in cases where the death penalty was being considered: if such a sentence is given, “it is preferable to do so in cases that are politically convenient to present.”
Other topics of discussion in this same meeting included the suggestion to offer a pardon to the “remaining terrorists” who turn themselves in and surrender their weapons. The Committee also decided that in cases of a ‘mixed’ marriage, i.e. between a resident of the East Bank and a resident of the West Bank, Israel would usually allow a wedding celebration near the border crossing – but only in cases where the West Bank spouse moves to Jordan.