Can I relocate with my child if the other parent has been completely absent for years?

Even a long-absent parent retains legal guardianship under Israeli law until their rights are formally terminated by a court. You must either locate them and obtain their written consent, apply to the Family Court to have their guardianship terminated, or apply for a relocation order in their absence. Courts can grant permission where the other parent cannot be located after reasonable, documented efforts — but you must demonstrate those efforts. An attorney can help structure the application to address this directly.