Can a default award be challenged because the other party did not attend?

The grounds for challenging a default arbitration award in Israel are narrow. Under Section 24 of the Arbitration Law 5728-1968, an award can be set aside only if the defaulting party was not given proper notice of the hearing, or if the arbitrator did not follow agreed procedure. Mere failure to attend after receiving proper notice is not a ground for challenge. A party who deliberately refuses to participate cannot later claim the award was procedurally unfair simply because they were absent. Applications to set aside must be filed within 45 days of receiving the award. For more detail, see When the Other Party Refuses to Arbitrate in Israel: Your Legal Options.