Berlin: The foreign ministers of Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom have expressed deep concern over a proposed bill in Israel that would significantly expand the scope for imposing the death penalty, warning that its adoption could undermine the country's commitment to democratic principles.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the ministers issued a joint statement highlighting their particular concern over what they described as the bill's "de facto discriminatory character," noting that it could be brought to a vote in the Knesset as early as next week.

They stressed that the death penalty constitutes "an inhumane and degrading form of punishment" and argued that it has no proven deterrent effect. "This is why we oppose the death penalty, whatever the circumstances around the world," the statement read, underscoring that its rejection remains "a fundamental value" shared by the four countries.

The ministers concluded by urging Israeli decision-makers in both the Knesset and government to abandon the proposed legislation.