Women's Representation in Knesset Lists Varies Widely

Ahead of the 26th Knesset elections, the representation of women on party lists shows significant disparities. A review of the top ten candidates reveals that some parties have women making up 50% of their leading candidates, while others include no female representation at all.

Three parties, The Democrats, Yashar, and Blue and White, each feature women in five of their top ten spots. The Democrats include Naama Lazimi (2), Efrat Reiten (4), Gabi Lasky (6), Michal Rozin (8), and Sumaya Bashir (10). Yashar's list has Orit Farkash Hacohen (3), Adi Altshuler (4), Tair Ifargan (8), Osherat Gonen (9), and Shira Shapira (10). Blue and White's top ten includes Pnina Tamano-Shata (2), Aliza Bloch (3), Rotem Avidar-Tzalyk (5), Yehudit Uriel (8), and Moriah Rodel Silvan (10).

Following these are parties with 40% female representation in their top ten. The National Unity party, led by Benny Gantz, has Pnina Tamano-Shata (2), Aliza Bloch (3), Rotem Avidar-Tzalyk (5), Yehudit Uriel (8), and Moriah Rodel Silvan (10). The Religious Zionism and Identity parties, along with Am Israel, each have 30% women in their top ten. Israel Beiteinu also has 30% representation. The Likud and Otzma Yehudit parties show only 20% female representation in their top ten. The Joint List includes two women in its top ten.

Ra'am and HaMiluimnikim-Calcalit have only one woman in their top ten. In contrast, Shas and United Torah Judaism continue to have no female representation in their lists for these elections. Among all the lists, only Israel First, headed by Sharren Haskel, is led by a woman, though current polls suggest it may not pass the electoral threshold.