The Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law, Tashnah-1998, defines six prohibited behaviors: sexual extortion by threats; indecent acts; repeated proposals of a sexual nature to someone who has shown that they are not interested; repeated references focused on sexuality; degrading or humiliating treatment.
What does the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law provide?
The Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law, Tashnah-1998, defines six prohibited behaviors: sexual extortion by threats; indecent acts; repeated proposals of a sexual nature to someone who has shown that they are not interested; repeated references focused on sexuality; degrading or humiliating treatment regarding a person's sex or sexual orientation; and publication of a photograph or video focused on sexuality without consent (the videos law). Toward minors, helpless persons, patients, and subordinates in relationships of authority, there is no requirement to show lack of consent: the act itself is prohibited.
Three parallel tracks
Sexual harassment gives rise to three possible proceedings: criminal, a penalty of up to two years' imprisonment for harassment, up to 3 years for retaliation, up to 4 years for their combination, and up to 5 years under the videos law; civil, a compensation claim of up to 120,000 NIS without proof of damage, from each harasser and for each act; disciplinary, proceedings in the workplace, which the employer is required by law to conduct. The proceedings are not dependent on one another, and a person may face all three simultaneously.
Investigated or sued for sexual harassment?
The legal distinctions are fine: when courtship becomes harassment, what counts as "showed that they are not interested," and when an expression constitutes prohibited humiliation. These are questions whose answers depend on evidence, context, and wording. Do not respond to an employer's inquiry, do not answer a complaint, and do not give a statement to the police before receiving advice: a response written under pressure becomes the main evidence against you.
Legal representation in sexual harassment cases
Israel Arama, formerly of the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office, represents respondents, suspects, and defendants in all three tracks, as well as complainants in realizing their rights. Contact us for an initial consultation with no obligation.
What does the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law provide?
The Prevention of Sexual Harassment Law, Tashnah-1998, defines six prohibited behaviors: sexual extortion by threats; indecent acts; repeated proposals of a sexual nature to someone who has shown that they are not interested; repeated references focused on sexuality; degrading or humiliating treatment regarding a person's sex or sexual orientation; and publication of a photograph or video focused on sexuality without consent (the videos law). Toward minors, helpless persons, patients, and subordinates in relationships of authority, there is no requirement to show lack of consent: the act itself is prohibited.
Three parallel tracks — what is important to know?
Sexual harassment gives rise to three possible proceedings: criminal, a penalty of up to two years' imprisonment for harassment, up to 3 years for retaliation, up to 4 years for their combination, and up to 5 years under the videos law; civil, a compensation claim of up to 120,000 NIS without proof of damage, from each harasser and for each act; disciplinary, proceedings in the workplace, which the employer is required by law to conduct. The proceedings are not dependent on one another, and a person may face all three simultaneously.
Investigated or sued for sexual harassment?
The legal distinctions are fine: when courtship becomes harassment, what counts as "showed that they are not interested," and when an expression constitutes prohibited humiliation. These are questions whose answers depend on evidence, context, and wording. Do not respond to an employer's inquiry, do not answer a complaint, and do not give a statement to the police before receiving advice: a response written under pressure becomes the main evidence against you.
This information is for initial orientation about the service and contact process. It is not individual legal advice.
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