Rabbi Cohen criticizes Minister Ben-Gvir’s support for the death penalty — Jerusalem Post

Rabbi Michael M. Cohen, in an opinion column for the Jerusalem Post, criticized Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s support for a law on the death penalty for terrorists. The author believes that this approach contradicts Jewish values and his vision of Zionism.

Criticism of the law

Cohen noted that Ben-Gvir’s Jewish Power party supports integrating Jewish law into Israel’s judicial system. According to him, the minister was one of the leading supporters of the law passed by the Knesset. The columnist acknowledges that supporters of the decision seek to ensure Israelis’ security, but calls their understanding of the use of force and Jewish law mistaken.

In the rabbi’s view, the goal of Zionism is not strength itself, but restoring Jewish agency—the ability to defend themselves and live in security and freedom. He referred to a Talmudic text in which restraining force is also regarded as an expression of it.

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Mercy and self-criticism

The author writes that the October 7 attack required a decisive response, but calls for carefully weighing the ways it is carried out. He also notes that some international criticism of Israel’s policy in Gaza relies on anti-Jewish stereotypes or ignores the actions of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and Iran. At the same time, Cohen believes that Israel must ask itself difficult questions and not dismiss internal criticism.

Cohen referred to biblical and Talmudic texts about mercy, kindness, and humility. He argues that the death penalty can intensify the desire for revenge and perpetuate the cycle of violence. At the end of the column, the author called for choosing life rather than passing trauma on to future generations.