Israeli Parliament Passes Gender Segregation Law Amid Opposition Criticism and Netanyahu's Absence

The Israeli Knesset approved a law allowing gender segregation in advanced academic degrees late Wednesday night, with 52 members supporting and 43 opposing the bill. The legislation, championed by MK Limor Son Har-Melech of Otzma Yehudit, aims to accommodate requests from hundreds of Haredi women seeking such arrangements. However, opposition MK Efrat Rayten from the Democratic Party condemned the law as one of the worst in Israel's history, criticizing the government for endorsing gender exclusion and comparing it to recent segregated sidewalks in Bnei Brak.

Rayten emphasized the importance of freedom of choice and warned that the law signals a dangerous societal shift toward discrimination against women, describing it as "full-fledged Kahaneism." She also criticized the coalition for undermining democratic values and expressed relief that the current Knesset session is ending. Rayten further condemned other government initiatives, including a controversial communications reform bill she says threatens press freedom, and a law freezing the detention of draft dodgers, which the High Court has already suspended.

The opposition's frustration was heightened by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's absence during the vote, which Rayten interpreted as a deliberate snub. She recounted the opposition's spontaneous outcry against Netanyahu's exit, highlighting the personal impact on families with soldiers serving in the military. Rayten accused the coalition of damaging Israel through a series of harmful laws and political maneuvers since the start of the current term.

Looking ahead to the Democratic Party's upcoming primaries, Rayten expressed confidence in the party's growth and commitment, citing a surge in membership and candidate participation. She advocated for experienced incumbents to secure top spots on the party list, praising their parliamentary work despite challenges from both the coalition and opposition.

The gender segregation law's passage marks a significant moment in Israeli politics, reflecting ongoing tensions between secular and religious factions and raising concerns about the future of gender equality and democratic norms in the country.