Members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, particularly the ultra-Orthodox members, are aiming to enhance the powers of their all-male religious courts and impose restrictions on mixed-gender presence in numerous public spaces. These proposed legislative changes could potentially result in significant regressions in women’s rights within Israel.
As per the law, there exists the freedom for both women and men to sit however they wish in public transportation in Israel. However, recent ongoing debates have exposed the fragility of this freedom, which is generally taken as a given.
While some sectors of society embrace the practice of gender segregation in public spaces, others argue that these practices violate legal rights. This dilemma creates a clash between principles of freedom and equality on one hand, and religious values on the other. The increasing prevalence of this distinction between men and women could extend beyond just public transportation, potentially affecting various aspects of social life.
This complex issue is not only a matter of legislation but is also intricately tied to the cultural and ethical values of the community. The growing divide between men and women carries a risk of undermining the social fabric. Therefore, Israeli experts, legislators, and civil society stress the necessity of handling this matter with utmost care and attention.
This scenario also generates a stark division within Israeli society, pitting the secular majority against the politically influential ultra-Orthodox Jews. This divide has started to erode social harmony and is now spreading to other regions of Israel. Netanyahu’s coalition comprises far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties. Among the coalition’s propositions are gender-segregated seating for specific public events and an extension of powers for all-male chief rabbinical courts.
The regression of women’s rights and the prevalence of gender discrimination in Israel have infiltrated various spheres over the past decade. Presently, the ultra-Orthodox and far-right parties’ demands within the coalition have the potential to fundamentally alter the essence of the equal rights that women were guaranteed in the 1948 Declaration of Independence. This transformation is under vigilant scrutiny by civil society groups and activists. This intricate predicament, which also challenges Israel’s democratic identity, continues to draw international attention.
In the most recent 2023 Global Gender Gap Report released by the World Economic Forum, Israel slid to the 83rd spot out of 146 countries in terms of gender equality. Moreover, Israel’s ranking concerning politically empowered women plummeted to 96th place, just trailing Pakistan. This circumstance is raising considerable concern within the global community as well.
Women’s rights advocates in Israel are expressing concern over the government’s attempts to weaken the High Court, which upholds women’s rights and promotes gender equality. A proposed bill aimed at expanding the powers of religious courts is sparking debates about the need to dismantle a male-dominated system in order to foster a more fair and egalitarian society. This could be seen as an essential component of a state that values women’s rights.
In Israel, the fate of women’s rights lies in the hands of religious courts
The most recent threat to the status of women arises from a legislative proposal put forth by the coalition, which seeks to enhance the authority of religious courts that base their rulings on Jewish religious law.
Currently, the Orthodox rabbinical court holds jurisdiction over divorces for all Jewish citizens of Israel, granting sole power to men to officially dissolve marriages. The proposed changes could potentially empower men not only in financial aspects of divorce but also to serve as arbitrators in civil matters, like workplace or contractual disputes, provided both parties agree. Critics of the bill underline that consent is not always freely given.
If the legislative body approves the bill, it will effectively overturn a 2006 Supreme Court decision that had already limited the power of religious courts to arbitrate in civil matters—a bill that had passed the preliminary stages. This development is raising concerns, particularly among international communities that are more attuned to women’s rights issues.
Source: New York Times