Segregation in Israel: Separate streets for men and women?

A dispute has arisen in Bnei Brak, an ultra-Orthodox city in Israel, over municipal efforts to implement gender-segregated streets. The city reportedly began widening sidewalks, erecting barriers, and installing signs to separate male and female pedestrians, particularly near wedding venues, but halted work due to criticism. This initiative, if implemented, would make Bnei Brak the first Israeli city with gender-segregated streets, raising concerns among less conservative Israelis about setting a precedent and strengthening Orthodox hard-liners. Opponents have filed an urgent appeal, hoping the Supreme Court will intervene, as it has in previous cases striking down mandatory segregation on public buses and ordering the removal of "decency signs" prescribing female dress codes.

• Separately, the Knesset approved a controversial law allowing universities to offer segregated master's and doctoral programs, expanding existing permissions for bachelor's courses.
• Universities protested, arguing it could undermine academic standards and hinder women's access to specialized professions.
• This vote was among several controversial laws passed by the ruling coalition before the Knesset dissolved for the October 27 general election.