High Court issues conditional order against expanding rabbinical courts' authority over alimony

The High Court of Justice issued a conditional order in response to a petition by the Israel Hofshit movement against expanding the authority of rabbinical courts to adjudicate alimony, property, and custody matters. The state is required to explain by January 3, 2027, why the authority should not be revoked.

The High Court of Justice issued a conditional order in response to a petition filed by the Israel Hofshit movement against expanding the authority of rabbinical courts to adjudicate issues ancillary to divorce proceedings, including alimony, property division, and child custody. The petition seeks to annul Section 3 of the Rabbinical Courts Jurisdiction Law, which was amended in November 2025. Following the decision, the state will be required to explain why this authority should not be revoked, and it must submit a response by January 3, 2027. At the heart of the petition is the claim that the law allows one spouse, merely by being the first to file for divorce, to determine where the proceedings will take place—and to drag the other party to the rabbinical court against their will, without requiring consent. The Israel Hofshit movement argues that this violates freedom from religion, equality (since women cannot serve as judges), and that the law encourages a 'race for jurisdiction' between courts, which could exacerbate conflicts and harm the best interests of children.