High Court against expanding the powers of rabbinical courts

In depth

The High Court issued a conditional order against the authority of the rabbinical courts to rule on child support, division of property and custody within divorce claims, without the consent of both spouses, according to Arutz Sheva. The order was issued following a petition filed by the Israel Free organization.

According to Globes, the Israel Free organization argued that the amendment to the law allows one of the spouses, merely because they filed the divorce claim first, to determine where the hearings on child support, property and custody will also take place, even against the will of the other spouse. Under the order, the state is required to explain why the expansion of powers should not be cancelled.

According to Bizportal, Israel Free argued that fundamental rights were violated, and the state asked to dismiss the petition at the preliminary stage and on its merits.