Full Breakdown
Knesset Passes Law Expanding Gender-Segregated Graduate Programs
7/18/2026, 6:17:40 AM
Core Legislative Action
In an early-Thursday vote, the Israeli Knesset approved Amendment No. 12 to the Student Rights Law, permitting universities and colleges to offer gender-segregated master’s and doctoral tracks. The measure passed 52-43. Segregation is limited to classrooms within mixed-gender institutions and applies only to students who voluntarily enroll. Each program must receive prior approval from Israel’s Council for Higher Education (CHE).
Background & Context
The amendment builds on a 2021 Israeli Supreme Court ruling that allowed limited gender-segregated bachelor’s programs for ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) students, subject to strict safeguards such as classroom-only separation and a ban on excluding female lecturers. The 2024 law removes the bachelor-level restriction, extends segregation to advanced degrees, and broadens eligibility beyond the Haredi community to any “religious reasons.”
Key Figures & Groups
- Limor Son Har-Melech – MK (Otzma Yehudit) and sponsor of the amendment.
- Zvi Sukkot – Committee chair (Religious Zionism) supporting “freedom of choice.”
- Council for Higher Education (CHE) – Regulatory body tasked with approving programs and enforcing gender-diversity requirements.
- Deans of Israel’s nine medical schools – Jointly warned that the law could jeopardize medical education quality.
- Na’amat President Hagit Pe’er – Leading women’s organization critic.
- Avigdor Liberman – Yisrael Beiteinu chairman opposing the measure.
- Merav Michaeli – Democrats MK condemning “separate but equal.”
- Yofi Tirosh – Tel Aviv University law professor heading a High Court petition.
Data & Statistics
- Vote tally: 52 in favor, 43 against.
- CHE reports that women lecturers now teach in men’s programs at the “overwhelming majority” of institutions.
- Socio-economic data cited by the Prime Minister’s Office: 13 % of Haredi citizens hold academic qualifications versus 46 % of the general population.
Why It Matters
Proponents argue the law will remove religious barriers that prevent women from pursuing advanced degrees, potentially raising Haredi women’s earning potential and diversifying professional fields. Opponents warn that parallel programs could create a “two-tier” system, strain university resources, and undermine academic standards—particularly in medicine, where gender-based instructor selection may affect patient care quality.
Official Statements & Responses
The Knesset’s press release framed the amendment as “expanding freedom of choice” and “respecting the human mosaic of Israeli society.” CHE officials reiterated that its policy requires institutions to enable both male and female lecturers in all programs and that no discrimination complaints have been filed in recent years. The deans of the nine medical schools sent a collective letter urging lawmakers to reject the amendment, citing risks to medical training and public health.
Criticism & Opposition
Opposition lawmakers and academic bodies contend the law “institutionalizes gender segregation” and threatens equality, dignity, and academic freedom. Na’amat’s Hagit Pe’er labeled it “another nail in the coffin of women’s rights.” Avigdor Liberman warned it turns Israel into “an Ayatollah state,” while Merav Michaeli asserted there is “no such thing as separate but equal.” Critics also note the financial burden of duplicating faculty, courses, and facilities.
On-the-Ground Reports
Six Haredi women and ten academics filed a petition to the High Court of Justice, arguing the amendment dismantles the safeguards of the 2021 ruling and could lead to “separate but unequal” education. The petition cites CHE findings of gender-segregated libraries, corridors, and administrative services at institutions such as the Strauss campus of Hadassah Academic College.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The petition claims CHE has not enforced its anti-segregation conditions, whereas CHE maintains that its policy is actively enforced and that women lecturers now teach in men’s programs at most institutions. No court decision on the petition has been issued, leaving the legal status of the amendment uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “another nail in the coffin of women's rights.” — Hagit Pe’er, President, Na’amat
- “does not impose anything on anyone. It expands freedom, enables diversity and respects the human mosaic of Israeli society.” — Limor Son Har-Melech, MK, Otzma Yehudit
- “ Yisrael Beytenu chairman MK Avigdor Liberman responded to the law's passage: "The government of the October 7 massacre is trying to turn the State of Israel into a state of ayatollahs.” — Avigdor Liberman, Chairman, Yisrael Beiteinu
- “There is no such thing as separate but equal.” — Merav Michaeli, MK, Democrats
- “A partition never remains merely an option,” — Dr. Estee Rieder, Haredi researcher
What’s Next
Petitioners have asked the High Court to strike down the amendment in whole or in part. Legal analysts expect the law to face further challenges before Israel’s courts, potentially delaying its implementation.
