Israel's New Laws: Hanging for Palestinian Militants

0:00Israel just passed new laws making death by hanging the go-to punishment for Palestinian militants convicted of deadly attacks in military courts. Israel's ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, defended it strongly at the National Press Club in Canberra, saying it's a needed deterrent against non-stop threats. Earlier this week, Australia joined the UK and Germany in a statement calling the laws discriminatory since they mainly hit West Bank Palestinians. Israel already has the death penalty on the books, but it's only been used twice since the 1970s. Critics down under, including labor MPs grilling four minister Penny Wong, worry it'll escalate tensions. But Newman argued countries like Australia, with chill neighbors like New Zealand and Fiji, can't fully grasp Israel's rough neighborhood full of. Groups out for destruction. Meanwhile, Newman addressed Israel's push into southern Lebanon to stop Hezbollah rockets threatening a million Israelis up north.

1:00Defense Minister Israel Katz wants to hold ground there, but Wong urged no more escalation to protect Lebanese civilians. No clear end date, just until Hezbollah stays south of the Latani River. Newman also tied it all to strikes on Iran and proxies, stressing efforts to keep global oil shortages short by diversifying supplies and deterring. Atax. It's all about survival in a high-stakes spot. Global news, powered by AI. This is Sydney News Today.