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How long does an Israeli protection order last, and can it be extended?

A protection order under the Prevention of Family Violence Law 5751-1991 runs for up to three months when it is first granted. Section 5 allows the court to extend it from time to time up to a combined total of six months, and for special reasons that must be recorded in the decision the total can reach twelve months. Nothing renews on its own, so an extension application has to be filed and heard before the existing order lapses. Once the twelve-month ceiling is reached, continued protection normally needs a fresh application built on new facts.

The statute is deliberately built around short orders and frequent judicial review, because an order can remove someone from their own home and restrict contact with their children. A court hearing an urgent application may grant the order ex parte, without the respondent present, and Section 4 then requires a hearing with both sides as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the order was made. At that hearing the court can confirm, vary, shorten or cancel it. Applications go to the Family Court, while the Magistrates Court and the religious courts can also issue orders in matters already before them.

Foreign nationals living in Israel should treat the expiry date as a hard deadline and instruct a lawyer at least two weeks ahead, because the court will expect fresh evidence rather than a repeat of the original affidavit. An order regulates conduct only, so it does not by itself change immigration status, custody arrangements or a lease, and separate applications are needed for interim custody or maintenance. Breach is a criminal offence under Section 7 and the police may arrest without a warrant, which makes reporting a breach to the police faster and more effective than returning to the family court.

⚖ In Practice
  • Governing law: Sections 4, 5 and 7, Prevention of Family Violence Law 5751-1991
  • Competent authority: Family Court (Beit Mishpat LeInyanei Mishpacha); the Magistrates Court and the religious courts in matters already before them
  • Duration: up to 3 months initially, extensions to a combined total of 6 months, and up to 12 months for special reasons recorded in the decision
  • Ex parte orders: a hearing with both parties present must take place within 7 days of the order (Section 4)
  • Breach: a criminal offence under Section 7; police may arrest the respondent without a warrant
  • Legal aid: the Ministry of Justice Legal Aid Department (HaSiyua HaMishpati) represents applicants in protection order proceedings under established Israeli practice

From the full guide: Domestic Violence and Protection Orders in Israel: A Complete Guide for Foreign Nationals

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Get a Free Consultation with Adv. Eli ShimonyPrepared under the direction of Adv. Eli Shimony, Eli Shimony Law Office · Editorial policy

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