What happens to Israeli bank accounts when someone dies without a will?

Israeli banks freeze all accounts of a deceased customer as soon as they receive notice of death. Heirs must obtain a succession order (*tzav yerusha*) from the Israeli Registrar of Inheritance — a process that typically takes several months — before the bank will release funds. During this period, the estate cannot pay ongoing costs from those frozen accounts. With a will, the process uses a probate order (*tzav kiyum tzavaa*) and is generally faster. Planning ahead can also include designating joint account holders or beneficiary designations where Israeli banks permit them.