Women’s Rights Are on a Sharp Decline in Israel: Advocates Blame Netanyahu’s Far-Right Government

Israel has long presented itself as a democracy that champions equality and progressive values in the Middle East. Women have served in its military, held high political office, and played visible roles in public life. Yet in recent years, women’s rights advocates warn that these gains are being steadily eroded. At the center of their concerns is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right governing coalition, which critics say is reshaping Israeli society in ways that disproportionately harm women.

A Coalition That Changed the Balance of Power

Netanyahu’s current government relies heavily on ultra-Orthodox and far-right nationalist parties to remain in power. These groups hold deeply conservative views on gender roles, family life, and religious authority. In exchange for political support, they have gained influence over key ministries, legislation, and public policy.

Women’s rights groups argue that this shift has tipped the balance away from secular and liberal principles toward a system where religious norms increasingly shape daily life. While these changes may appear incremental, activists say their cumulative effect is profound.

Rolling Back Legal Protections

One of the most alarming trends for advocates is the weakening of legal protections for women. Proposed judicial reforms, which aim to reduce the power of Israel’s Supreme Court, have raised fears that women could lose a critical safeguard against discriminatory laws.

Historically, the court has acted as a check on religious and conservative legislation, particularly in cases involving gender equality, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination. If judicial oversight is weakened, critics warn that women may have fewer avenues to challenge unfair laws or policies.

Domestic violence protections are another area of concern. Advocacy organizations report underfunding of shelters, delayed reforms, and a lack of urgency in addressing gender-based violence — even as reported cases continue to rise.

Religious Influence in Public Spaces

Women’s presence in public life is also being reshaped. In some communities, increased gender segregation has become normalized, particularly in public transport, cultural events, and religious spaces funded by the state.

Advocates argue that this segregation, often justified on religious grounds, restricts women’s freedom of movement and participation. While framed as “voluntary,” critics say social pressure makes it difficult for women to resist without facing harassment or exclusion.

In government-funded events, reports of women being asked to sit separately or dress modestly according to religious standards have sparked outrage among secular Israelis.

Political Representation Under Threat

Despite Israel having once elected a female prime minister, women’s representation in the current government is limited. Far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties rarely include women in leadership roles, and some exclude them entirely from candidate lists.

This lack of representation means women’s voices are often absent from decisions that directly affect them — from education and healthcare to family law and employment rights. Activists argue that policy outcomes reflect this imbalance, reinforcing traditional gender roles rather than expanding opportunities.

Impact on Reproductive and Family Rights

Family law in Israel is heavily influenced by religious courts, which govern marriage and divorce. Women’s rights advocates say the current government has shown little interest in reforming a system that often disadvantages women, particularly in divorce proceedings.

Restrictions on reproductive healthcare access have also drawn criticism. While Israel remains relatively liberal compared to some neighboring countries, advocates fear that growing religious influence could lead to tighter controls, reduced funding, or increased stigma around reproductive choices.

Resistance From Civil Society

Despite these challenges, resistance is growing. Women’s organizations, legal groups, and grassroots activists have mobilized through protests, court challenges, and international advocacy. Large demonstrations against judicial reforms have featured women prominently, signaling that many Israelis view gender equality as inseparable from democracy itself.

Younger generations, in particular, are pushing back against what they see