Story perspectives

Knesset Approves Gender-Segregated Graduate Tracks Amid Legal Challenge

7/18/2026

Center

Knesset Expands Segregation

The bill expands gender-segregated study tracks to master’s and doctoral programs, ending the prior ultra-Orthodox-only restriction.
The Knesset passed the legislation by a 52-43 vote, permitting single-sex graduate programs pending Council for Higher Education approval.
Six ultra-Orthodox women and ten academics petitioned the High Court, saying the law violates equality.
Deans of Israel’s nine medical schools warned the law could jeopardize training quality and accreditation.

Left

Har-Melech Secures Law

The bill passed just hours before the Knesset’s scheduled parliamentary dissolution ahead of elections.
The gender-segregation law was approved by 52 votes to 43, sponsored by Limor Son Har-Melech of Otzma Yehudit.
Opposition lawmakers displayed “Segregation is exclusion” signs, warning the measure deepens gender inequality.
Netanyahu’s coalition pushed the legislation to secure Haredi backing before elections that could shift power.

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Knesset Expands Segregation

The bill expands gender-segregated study tracks to master’s and doctoral programs, ending the prior ultra-Orthodox-only restriction.
The Knesset passed the legislation by a 52-43 vote, permitting single-sex graduate programs pending Council for Higher Education approval.
Six ultra-Orthodox women and ten academics petitioned the High Court, saying the law violates equality.
Deans of Israel’s nine medical schools warned the law could jeopardize training quality and accreditation.

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