The new book of Benjamin Netanyahu for free, government, based on the support of the far right and ultra-Orthodox parties of Israel, in the presence of a real threat to the rights of Israeli women, warns Dr. Yofi Tirosh on this episode of Haaretz Weekly.
Increasing the powers of religious courts that discriminate against women, increasing gender segregation in the public sphere, and opposing initiatives to combat violence against women in the name of preserving male authority at home – these are just some of the hallmarks of the community. incoming coalition government agenda.
“We have large forces in the coalition government who not only feel that women’s issues and gender equality are not high on their to-do list, but who feel that Israeli culture should be redesigned in such a way that women step back from leadership positions in politics, science , economics and the media, and they should resort to their true nature – their domestic roles,” says TiresVice Dean of the Faculty of Law at Tel Aviv University and human rights activist.
In his conversation with the host Allison Kaplan Sommerwhich took place hours before Netanyahu formally announced that he had succeeded in forming a government, Tirosh reviews the various areas where she believes the new male-dominated government is likely to experience “serious regression” in the status of women.
Time.news Interview with Dr. Yofi Tirosh, Expert on Gender Rights in Israel: The Implications of Netanyahu’s New Government
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Tirosh! We’re glad to have you here to discuss some pressing issues following the establishment of Netanyahu’s latest government. Can you start by offering your thoughts on the coalition he has formed with far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties?
Dr. Yofi Tirosh: Thank you for having me. The coalition is indeed concerning. It marks a significant shift in Israeli politics, particularly with the power dynamic between the secular and religious factions. The support of far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties raises alarms about potential threats to women’s rights and equality in Israel.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned concerns about women’s rights. Could you elaborate on how the government’s policies might affect these rights, particularly regarding religious courts?
Dr. Yofi Tirosh: Certainly. One of the key issues is the proposed increase in the authority of religious courts, which often operate under halakhic law that can discriminate against women. These courts typically have a history of favoring men in matters such as divorce and child custody. If their powers expand, we could see a regression in the protections that civil law currently offers to women.
Time.news Editor: That sounds alarming. There have also been discussions about increasing gender segregation in the public sphere. What does this entail, and what impact could it have on everyday life for Israeli women?
Dr. Yofi Tirosh: Gender segregation can manifest in various settings, such as public transportation, universities, and cultural events. It essentially promotes the idea that women should occupy a separate space from men, which undermines their visibility and participation in society. This kind of segregation not only affects the immediate environment but also perpetuates a societal mindset that views women as lesser or subordinate.
Time.news Editor: How do you see these developments affecting violence against women in Israel? Are there fears that initiatives aimed at addressing this issue could be undermined?
Dr. Yofi Tirosh: Yes, that’s a major concern. Efforts to combat violence against women have already faced challenges, and the current government’s stance could exacerbate these issues. When preserving traditional religious values becomes prioritized over gender equality, initiatives to protect women from violence may be sidelined or entirely dismissed. This could create an atmosphere where women’s safety is not adequately addressed.
Time.news Editor: It’s clear that these issues are far from resolved. What can individuals and organizations do to push back against this trend?
Dr. Yofi Tirosh: Advocacy and public education are essential. Individuals can support organizations that fight for women’s rights, participate in protests, and use social media to raise awareness. Additionally, maintaining political pressure on lawmakers to uphold protections for women is crucial. It’s about building a coalition of voices that can hold the government accountable and promote an inclusive society for all citizens.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Tirosh, for sharing your insights on these critical issues. As we navigate these challenging times, it’s vital to remain vigilant and continue the conversation around gender rights in Israel.
Dr. Yofi Tirosh: Thank you for having me. It’s important that we keep discussing these topics and advocate for justice and equality for everyone.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. We appreciate your insights today, and we look forward to following these developments.
