Knesset passes law expanding powers of Israel’s rabbinic courts to arbitrate civil matters

 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-891046

Under the law, rabbinical courts may act as arbitrators only with the consent of all parties.

A law that will expand the power of rabbinic and Sharia courts in Israel and grant them authority to act as arbitrators in limited civil matters was passed in the Knesset plenum in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The Religious Courts Arbitration Bill, backed by the government, passed with 65 lawmakers in favor and 41 against.

The bill was debated for many hours late into Monday night before it was approved after strong objection from the opposition over claims it could undermine the state’s democratic character and harm women’s rights. Numerous objections were also raised to passing the controversial law during wartime.

It was decided to exclude from the scope of the law arbitration any criminal or administrative matters, as well as proceedings in which the state or a local authority was a party. Matters involving married or formerly married couples were also excluded.