US Returns Israel to Top Tier in Human Trafficking Fight
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Israel has been promoted back to the U.S. State Department's "Tier 1" ranking for its efforts in combating human trafficking, after five years in the second tier. The annual report for 2025, released Thursday, recognized Israel's full compliance with international standards, citing strengthened investigations, improved victim protection, and enhanced prevention measures. Justice Minister Yariv Levin hailed the decision as a result of intensive governmental work and cooperation among various Israeli agencies.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel has been promoted to the U.S. State Department's "Tier 1" ranking for combating human trafficking.
- The U.S. report for 2025 found Israel meets international standards in prosecution, victim protection, and prevention.
- Advancements include doubled investigations, harsher penalties, and improved victim support and legal aid.
- Justice Minister Yariv Levin called the promotion recognition of Israel's leadership in the fight.
- The improvement follows five years in the second-tier category.
After a five-year period in the second category, Israel has been reinstated to the highest global ranking by the U.S. Department of State for its efforts in combating human trafficking. In its annual report for 2025, released Thursday, Washington stated that Israel fully meets international standards in this area, commending the progress made in prosecution, victim protection, and prevention. This promotion to "Tier 1" follows coordinated efforts across Israeli administrations, led by the Ministry of Justice.
The U.S. report highlighted strengthened investigations, improved victim support, and measures to prevent the exploitation of foreign workers. Key advancements noted include a doubling of human trafficking investigations and harsher penalties for offenders. Israeli authorities have also implemented official procedures to better identify victims and expanded rehabilitation services. Operational enhancements involved increasing the number of inspectors from the Ministry of Labor and the Population and Immigration Authority, establishing specialized police units, and designating specific prosecutors for trafficking cases.
A legislative reform by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, which expands victims' access to legal aid, was also recognized. This reform allows victims to receive support from the initial stages of criminal investigations, leading to a significant increase in the number of individuals receiving assistance. Prevention efforts, particularly concerning foreign worker exploitation, were intensified through better inter-ministerial coordination.
Minister Levin welcomed the U.S. decision, calling it the culmination of extensive governmental work. "After a period of intensive work, we have obtained full recognition of Israel's status as a world leader in the fight against human trafficking," he stated, thanking all administrations involved. Director General of the Ministry of Justice, Itamar Donnenfeld, added that the promotion reflects Israel's "constant commitment to fighting human trafficking and preventing the exploitation of the most vulnerable members of society." The Ministry attributed the improved ranking to cooperation among the Ministries of Justice, Foreign Affairs, Labor, and National Security, as well as the police and the Population and Immigration Authority.
Mentioned
