The Ministry of Justice Legal Aid Department's 2025 annual report, released recently, provides a comprehensive overview of legal representation for vulnerable populations in Israel. The report reveals that 154,552 cases were opened in 2025, covering civil law, family law, and National Insurance. A notable achievement highlighted is the reform of the National Insurance Institute's medical appeal committees. Following legal advocacy, special adjustments will now be made for survivors of sexual trauma to prevent secondary victimization during appeal proceedings. This initiative, which holds the force of a court ruling following recommendations from a professional committee of the Israel Medical Association adopted by the Ministry of Health Director-General, will apply to various National Insurance sectors, including general disability and hostilities victims.
Simultaneously, the Legal Aid Department reported intensive activity by the "Swords of Iron" case unit, established on October 7, 2023. This unit provided legal support to bereaved families, families of hostages and returnees, and families of the fallen. Notable achievements include the legal recognition of a daughter of a victim from Be'eri as a legal heir despite the lack of formal adoption, and the representation of dozens of families in claims for recognition as indirect victims of hostilities due to direct exposure to the horrors of war. The report also details successful legal battles against financial exploitation of the elderly and the cancellation of debts for victims of financial abuse in cooperation with the Bank of Israel.
In labor law, the department achieved successes in protecting employees dismissed due to their status as bereaved family members, as well as in anti-discrimination claims, such as compensation awarded to a citizen who experienced racist treatment from a public bus driver. Adv. Nochi Politis, the outgoing head of Legal Aid, noted that the unit's activity ensures the realization of rights for vulnerable citizens "by right, not by favor." Her remarks were echoed by Ministry of Justice Director-General Itamar Donnenfeld, who emphasized the importance of maintaining access to justice during emergencies.