Prefer Jewish News on Google
Israel outlaws solicitation of prostitution
First-time offenders will be fined about £418 and repeat offenders will face a doubled fine
Over the objections of some government agencies and social welfare groups, a new Israeli law has gone into effect that makes it illegal to seek the services of a prostitute.
Under the terms of the law that went info effect Friday, first-time offenders will be fined about £418 ($530), The Times of Israel reported. If the offender repeats the crime again within two years, the amount of the fine would double.
LGBTQ and women’s rights groups had sought to delay the law’s implementation, as had the Community Empowerment and Advancement Minister Orly Levy-Abekasis and the Public Security Ministry.
“Women and men who enter the cycle of prostitution to earn a living cannot escape if the authorities don’t extend a hand,” said Hila Peer, chairperson of Aguda-The Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel, one of several groups that petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court to delay the implementation.
But Justice Minister Avi Nissenkorn declined to postpone.
“Women are not property and their bodies are not for rent at any price,” Nissenkorn tweeted Friday.
A 2016 government study estimated that Israel has about 12,000 sex workers and the industry is worth about £251m ($318 million) annually. In 2005, Israel was added to a U.S. State Department human trafficking watch list, but matters had improved enough by 2012 that the country was removed.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
