Record number of women in the Knesset.. but political equality remains distant

Despite a record number of women in the new Israeli Knesset, reaching 33 female members, political equality remains distant due to a sharp disparity between blocs and the absence of women from party leadership.

Despite a record number of women in the new Israeli Knesset, reaching 33 female members out of 120, political equality remains distant, amid a sharp disparity between political blocs and the absence of women from the leadership of parties that entered parliament. Haaretz reported that women constitute 27.5% of the new Knesset members, but about 80% of female members belong to parties outside Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc. According to an analysis by the Israel Democracy Institute, the proportion of women in the bloc of Gadi Eisenkot and the Arab parties is 39%, compared to only 13% in Netanyahu's bloc, where the percentage dropped from 21% in the 23rd Knesset. The data showed that 55% of female members are entering the Knesset for the first time, compared to 33% of male members, and their average age is 51.1 years, compared to 54.3 for men. In contrast, only five female members have previously held a ministerial position, compared to 38% of men. Haaretz quoted lawyer Anat Thon Ashkenazi saying the increase is a positive step, but she stressed the need to ensure women reach leadership positions. Researcher Asaf Shapira noted that the record does not negate a decline in other aspects, foremost the absence of women from party leadership. Former Likud MK Keren Barak criticized religious extremism and internal political interests that excluded women within the party.