Quick Answer: Israeli law provides strong legal protection for victims of domestic violence through the Prevention of Family Violence Law 1991. A protection order (tzav haganah) can be obtained urgently — sometimes the same day — to remove an abusive family member from the home and prohibit contact. Foreign nationals are entitled to the same protection as Israeli citizens.
If you are in immediate danger: Call Israeli emergency services — Police: 100 | Ambulance: 101 | National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1202

1. Overview

Domestic violence — including physical violence, sexual violence, emotional abuse, economic control, and threats — is a serious problem in Israel as in all societies. Israeli law has developed a comprehensive framework for protecting victims, centred on the ability to obtain a civil protection order (tzav haganah) from the Family Court, as well as parallel criminal enforcement mechanisms.

For foreign nationals living in Israel — whether as citizens, residents, spouses on dependent visas, or temporary visitors — the protections of Israeli domestic violence law apply equally. Visa status does not affect your right to seek protection from the Israeli courts.

The primary legislation is the Prevention of Family Violence Law 1991 (Chok למניעת Alimut BaMishpacha). This law was a landmark reform that created a dedicated civil mechanism — separate from the criminal justice system — for protecting victims of family violence.

The law was subsequently strengthened by several amendments and has been interpreted broadly by Israeli courts to cover a wide range of abusive conduct. It sits alongside:

  • The Penal Law 1977, which criminalises assault, harassment, stalking, and sexual offences within families as well as outside them
  • The Victims of Crime Rights Law 2001, which gives victims of domestic violence specific procedural rights in criminal proceedings
  • The Social Services Involvement — welfare officers (pekidot saad) play an important role in supporting victims and providing evidence to courts

3. Who Can Apply for a Protection Order

A protection order under the Prevention of Family Violence Law can be obtained by any person who is the victim of violence or harassment by a family member. "Family member" is defined broadly and includes:

  • Spouses (married or common law)
  • Former spouses
  • Parents and children
  • Siblings
  • Other relatives who share or have shared a household
  • Former partners in intimate relationships

The application can be made by the victim directly, by a social worker, or by a police officer on the victim's behalf. Where the victim is a child, the application is typically made by a parent, social worker, or other responsible adult.

4. What a Protection Order Can Cover

A protection order is a flexible civil order that can include any or all of the following provisions:

  • Removal from the shared home: The abuser can be ordered to vacate the shared residence — even if they own or rent the property — and prohibited from returning.
  • No-contact order: The abuser is prohibited from contacting the victim by any means — in person, by phone, by message, or through third parties.
  • Exclusion zone: The abuser is prohibited from coming within a specified distance of the victim's home, workplace, children's school, or other specified locations.
  • Weapons prohibition: The abuser can be ordered to surrender any licensed weapons.
  • Supervision conditions: The abuser may be ordered to report to a social worker or probation officer.

The order is addressed to the respondent (the abuser). Violation of a protection order is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment.

5. Urgent (Ex Parte) Protection Orders

In situations of immediate danger, a victim can apply for an urgent ex parte order — an order granted by the court without prior notice to the abuser. The Family Court duty judge is available around the clock for urgent applications.

An urgent order can be granted within hours of the application being filed. The court can issue the order based on the victim's statement alone, without needing to hear from the respondent first. The respondent is then given an opportunity to be heard at a subsequent hearing, typically within a few days.

Urgent orders are typically granted for a short period (up to 7–14 days) pending a full hearing. At the full hearing, the court decides whether to extend, modify, or cancel the order.

The police can also apply for an urgent protection order on a victim's behalf — and are increasingly trained and expected to do so in cases of reported domestic violence.

6. How to Apply for a Protection Order

The process for obtaining a protection order:

  1. Consult a lawyer or social worker: While it is possible to apply without legal representation, having a lawyer assists in presenting the strongest possible application. Social workers at the Family Violence Treatment Centres can also assist.
  2. File the application with the Family Court: The application sets out the details of the violence and the specific order sought. Supporting evidence (police reports, medical records, photographs, witness statements) should be attached where available.
  3. Urgent hearing: If urgent, the court can issue an ex parte order immediately. Otherwise, a hearing is scheduled with short notice.
  4. Full hearing: Both parties are heard. The court considers the evidence and decides on the order.
  5. Order issued: The order is served on the respondent. Breach of the order is reported to the police for criminal enforcement.

There is no filing fee for protection order applications. Legal aid is available for victims who cannot afford legal representation.

7. Parallel Criminal Proceedings

Civil protection orders and criminal proceedings are independent and can run in parallel. Reporting domestic violence to the police may result in:

  • Arrest and police custody of the abuser pending investigation
  • Criminal charges for assault, harassment, stalking, sexual offences, or threats
  • Bail conditions that mirror the civil protection order (no contact, exclusion from the home)
  • Prosecution and potential imprisonment following conviction

Victims of domestic violence have the right to be kept informed of criminal proceedings, to give a victim impact statement, and to be represented by the prosecution in court proceedings. The Victims of Crime Rights Law 2001 sets out these rights in detail.

8. Foreign Nationals and Domestic Violence in Israel

Foreign nationals in Israel — including tourists, visa holders, and undocumented individuals — are entitled to the full protection of the domestic violence laws. Visa status does not affect your right to seek a protection order or report to the police.

Special considerations for foreign nationals include:

  • Dependent visa holders: Many foreign spouses are in Israel on a visa dependent on their Israeli or resident spouse. A victim of domestic violence who separates from an abusive spouse may be concerned about their visa status. In such cases, the Israeli government has mechanisms to allow victims to regularise their status independently of the abusive spouse.
  • Language: You have the right to an interpreter in all court and police proceedings.
  • Consular assistance: Your country's consulate in Israel can provide support and assistance in locating resources.
  • Exit restriction: If there are shared children, an abusive spouse may attempt to obtain an exit restriction on the victim. Legal advice is essential in this situation.
Advertisement