New Israeli law grants rabbinical courts power over civil disputes, raising fears of a theocratic state

Israel's Knesset passed legislation expanding the authority of rabbinical courts to arbitrate civil disputes, sparking concerns of a theocratic state. The controversial law, supported by ultra-Orthodox parties, grants religious courts jurisdiction previously held by civil courts. Critics argue it undermines civil rights and disproportionately affects women. Supporters claim the law restores a previous practice and allows for consensual arbitration under Jewish law, while opponents vow to repeal it, citing fears of increased religious coercion.