Articles from the office · Civil Litigation
The rabbinical court as arbitrator in a civil dispute: what the new law says
In March 2026 the Knesset passed a law allowing religious courts to act as arbitrators in civil disputes. What it means for you, and when to stop before signing.
· 2 min read
Until recently, a rabbinical court had no authority to hear a civil dispute, such as a contract or a debt, even when both sides wanted it to. The High Court of Justice ruled so several years ago. In March 2026 the Knesset passed the Religious Courts Jurisdiction (Arbitration) Law, which changes that.
What the law says, briefly
- A rabbinical or Sharia court may act as arbitrator in a civil dispute, for example over a contract, property or a tort.
- Only if all parties agree, and sign an arbitration agreement.
- Until all parties agree, the court cannot summon you, require you to respond or make any decision.
- The court rules under religious law, but cannot infringe rights the law protects, such as women's equal rights and employee rights that cannot be waived.
Why it matters
Arbitration is not a court case. The law applied may differ, the ways to challenge an award are narrower than an appeal, and the award is binding. Signing an arbitration agreement before a religious court means, in practice, agreeing that the dispute will be decided under different law from the one a court would apply.
Petitions against the law have been filed with the High Court of Justice, so further changes are possible. Check where things stand before deciding anything.
Before you sign
- Read the arbitration agreement to the end: what it covers, and who the arbitrator is.
- Understand which law will decide the dispute, and what that means for your claims.
- Ask what your options are if you want to challenge the award.
- Do not sign under time pressure, and not without advice.
Arbitration can be a quick way to end a dispute. It can also be a decision that is hard to undo. If you have been asked to take a civil dispute to a religious court, check it before you sign. And if both sides are looking for an agreed way out, mediation is another option.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and the law changes from time to time. Before acting, it is worth taking advice on your own circumstances.