Report Reveals 95 Underage Births in Yavniel Over Five Years
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
A new report from a committee investigating underage marriages in Yavniel, Israel, reveals 95 births involving minors between 2000 and 2025. A significant portion of these mothers were 15 or 16 years old, with nearly a third of the births occurring between 2023 and 2025. The committee suspects the actual numbers are higher due to concealment efforts. Member of Knesset Meirav Cohen called for government action to dismantle what she described as a dangerous cult responsible for forcing underage girls into marriage.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- 95 births involving minors were recorded in Yavniel between 2000 and 2025.
- Nearly a third of these births occurred between 2023 and 2025.
- 35% of the mothers giving birth were 15 or 16 years old.
- The committee suspects higher numbers due to "efforts to conceal."
- No police investigations into underage marriages were opened in 2024-2025.
- MK Meirav Cohen called for government action against a "dangerous cult."
A committee investigating underage marriages in the Yavniel community has released a report detailing disturbing statistics on the phenomenon. According to the findings, 95 births involving minors were recorded in the town, with a significant number of mothers being only 15 or 16 years old. The report, based on data from the Ministry of Health between 2000 and 2025, indicates that Yavniel, a community of approximately 5,000 residents, saw these births. Nearly a third of these births, 29 in total, occurred between 2023 and 2025, and 35% of the mothers were aged 15 or 16.
The committee suggests that the actual number of births may be higher than recorded, citing "efforts to conceal" the full extent of the issue. The report notes that the young mothers are often registered as single parents, without the father's details, to facilitate access to National Insurance benefits. In a concerning trend, no police investigations into underage marriages were opened in 2024-2025, although nine cases were initiated in 2026 and are currently under investigation.
Member of Knesset Meirav Cohen of the "B'Yachad" party stated that the committee's conclusions "irrefutably prove what we already knew, a dangerous cult is operating in Yavniel, forcing underage girls into marriage, condemning them to rape, and placing their well-being and health in real danger." Cohen emphasized that dismantling this cult requires a coordinated effort from all relevant government agencies and vowed to continue advocating until this is achieved.
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