Adv. Anat Thon Ashkenazy

The regression in women’s representation in Israel is not a decree of fate but the result of political choices, and precisely in an election period, parties have a real opportunity to reverse this trend.

Knesset Summer Session: April 2025 to July 24, 2025

A bill expanding the powers of Israel's religious courts was approved for first reading in Knesset. This raises concerns about the rights of vulnerable population groups, such as women and low wage workers. As a Jewish and democratic state, it is not enough to say rights will be protect – there must be institutional protections.

Last week, it was announced that a man would lead Israel's Ministry of Social Equality—the ministry responsible for, among other things, gender equality. This, on its own, would not be problematic, but it leaves the total number of women Directors General of government ministries at zero. This lack of representation is not only misaligned with public opinion, it is also a blatant violation of a Supreme Court ruling and reflects disregard for the rule of law.

When loyalty to the Prime Minister is seen as loyalty to the law itself, Israel risks replacing democracy with rule by decree—undermining the very foundations of the rule of law.

A survey on women's representation conducted among men and women in Israel. Findings show that most (65%) consider equal representation when deciding on which party to vote for; 71% think the number of women in the Knesset, the government and in senior positions should be increased. 

Crime in Arab society has seen an unprecedented surge in the past couple of years posing a threat to Israeli society as a whole. What's needed is a real political commitment to the issue, making it clear to criminals that they face the entire state and society. 

While it’s important to facilitate the integration of Haredim into academia and the workforce, seperate graduate program for men and women can be harmful to the rights of women and often clashes with the law that prohibits gender-based discrimination in public places.

Marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in the shadow of war, women in Israel face increasingly precarious circumstances as the destabilization of society alongside an increase in weapons distribution threaten their safety. To counter this trend, government policy must recognize this growing threat and place the issue of gender equality among the top national priorities. 

The diminished number of women in decision-making positions in government, coupled with the increase in attempts to implement gender segregation, threatens the right to equality.

In recent days the Attorney General has issued several warnings that decisions are being made using "flawed work processes." This explainer provides an overview of the role and importance of the Attorney General in Israeli democracy, and the current criticism directed by the AG at the government.

IDI experts outline the initiatives and measures undertaken by the government that, taken together, constitute a concentrated effort undermine Israel's democratic institutions. At the core of these efforts is a dramatic attempt to weaken the status of the Attorney General; increased politicization of the police; continued undermining of the independence of the judiciary and more.

Women in senior government positions are leaving their roles, the number of victims of domestic violence is rising, and the prevailing spirit from the government does not bode well. Now more than ever, there must be a call for immediate and fundamental change in placing women's rights at the top of the national agenda.

Judicial overhaul initiatives, along with other anti-democratic measures, have continued to be promoted by the government and the coalition in the Knesset. This document outlines the various actions taken in government that weaken the Israeli judiciary and democracy at large.

Minister of the Economy Barkat's decision to remove Adv. Michal Cohen from her role as Director of the Competition Authority compounds a two-pronged problem. On the one hand, the diminishing number of women in Ministry leadership roles, and on the other, increased political interference in professional authorities, risking their independence and professional standards. 

Now, when it is clear that Hamas’s murderous attack was unprecedented in its extreme violence, including sexual violence, the relevant international bodies—such as the UN Security Council, UN Women, and the International Red Cross—must respond to these incidents.

The Authority for the Advancement of Women's Status and agencies like it are being gutted along with protections for women

For local government to be able to truly represent all residents and understand the diversity of their different needs, it is important that there be appropriate representation of men and women alike

A professional opinion by the Israel Democracy Institute presented in advance of the session of the Knesset Committee on the Status of Women and Gender Equality on February 20, 2023

Regardless of whether the proposals that might curtail equality and human dignity pass or not in the end, it is hard not to be concerned about the very fact that such ideas are even advanced and are viewed favorably by Knesset members

The blow would be hardest for organizations whose role is to defend vulnerable groups, including; those living below the poverty line, the elderly, women, and people with disabilities.

The new coalition's shortage of women and its proposed High Court override clause are a danger to the struggle for gender equality in Israel.

As Israel celebrates its 74th birthday - what must be done to bolster social solidarity? Education, education and education!