The recent debate over increasing female representation on political party lists in Israel has drawn attention to a more fundamental issue: the nature of the agendas that women candidates bring to the Knesset. Observers argue that mere presence of women in parliament, without a corresponding commitment to compassion and integrity, can be ineffective or even detrimental to advancing women’s rights.
Over the past four years, Israel’s political landscape has been dominated by existential security concerns, overshadowing issues traditionally seen as priorities for women politicians. For example, the formation of Ofer Winter’s party, Amcha Yisrael, which includes a notable number of women candidates advocating voluntary emigration from the Gaza Strip, has raised questions about the impact such representation will have on the lives of women and girls. Critics suggest that focusing on such hardline policies rather than social protections may do little to improve the status of women.
Some women politicians have drawn controversy for voting against legislation aimed at protecting vulnerable women. Early in the current government’s term, women members from Likud and Otzma Yehudit opposed a bill designed to use advanced surveillance against violent men under court orders. In another instance, Gila Gamliel, a lawmaker who had previously sponsored anti-economic abuse legislation, voted against a similar bill in 2023. Additionally, Liron Son Har-Melech proposed and helped advance legislation that sought to dissolve the Authority for the Advancement of Women, removing critical provisions addressing gender equality and violence against women. Her bill also passed an initial vote allowing for gender-segregated advanced degree programs, which critics fear would create separate and likely inferior educational tracks for women.
These examples have prompted reflection on the assumption that women in the Knesset will inherently serve as role models or champions for women’s rights. Some argue that young girls in Israel may see women lawmakers turning away from protective measures and equality initiatives, calling into question the notion that female representation alone equates to progress.
By contrast, previous Knesset sessions had moments of bipartisan cooperation on women’s issues. In 2017, Shuli Moalem-Refaeli of Habayit Hayehudi and Meretz’s Zehava Galon—two politicians from opposing ideological spectrums—successfully collaborated on a bill banning the purchase of sexual services, which passed unanimously with broad support. This stands in contrast to current trends that some see as undermining the protective mechanisms established for women.
Given these developments, some voices call for shifting the focus from simply increasing the number of women on party lists to emphasizing qualities such as compassion, integrity, and empathy in leadership. They highlight the work of many women active in peace organizations, shelters for domestic abuse survivors, aid centers, and local councils—women who often operate outside formal politics and media visibility. According to this perspective, bolstering these grassroots efforts with resources and attention may be more vital for advancing women's welfare than focusing on representation in the Knesset alone, especially amid the pressing crises facing the country.