In its sitting on Monday, the Knesset Plenum voted to approve in second and third readings the Expressing Position by Victim of Offense Regarding Release on Parole from Imprisonment Bill (Legislative Amendments), 2025, sponsored by MK Chili Tropper (National Unity Party) and a group of MKs. In the vote, 10 Members of Knesset supported the bill, without opposing votes.
It is proposed that in the Rights of Victims of Crimes Law, the right of victims of sexual or violent offenses to express their position before the parole board will be expanded, and they will be able to choose whether to express it in writing or to attend the hearing and express it orally. It is proposed that for the purpose of hearing the victim of the offense, the hearing will not be postponed if the inmate has already served two thirds of the prison term imposed on him, or if postponement of the hearing date will cause the hearing to be held after the aforesaid term has been served.
It is further proposed to add to the list of considerations weighed by the parole board under section 9 of the Release on Parole Law the position of the victim of a sexual or violent offense, submitted under the Rights of Victims of Crimes Law, in writing or orally, on the matter of the foreseeable risk to [the victim’s] wellbeing and security from the inmate’s release. In addition, it is proposed to transfer the responsibility for delivering the information to the victim of the offense on the date of the inmate’s hearing before the parole board and his right to express an opinion—from the Israel Prison Service to the Courts Administration, which is responsible for management of the parole board.
The explanatory notes to the bill state: “In order to enshrine the right of the victim of such offenses to decide whether to make his or her voice heard directly before the parole board, it is proposed to stipulate in the Rights of Victims of Crimes Law that he or she will have the right to express their position before the parole board.”
