Is a husband always required to pay alimony in Israel?

Under traditional Jewish law (which Israeli rabbinical courts apply), a husband has a religious obligation to support his wife, and this duty can exist even if the wife earns income. Israeli family courts apply a more egalitarian standard: they assess both spouses' financial positions, earning capacity, and contributions to the household. In practice, the lower-earning spouse — who is often, but not always, the wife — is more likely to receive a maintenance order.