Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Knesset advances amendment to recognize same-sex partners of fallen soldiers
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Lawmakers attend a plenum session in the Knesset in Jerusalem, October 16, 2023. (Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90)
The Knesset plenum gives initial approval to an amendment enabling same-sex couples to be formally recognized by the Defense Ministry under the laws pertaining to families of fallen IDF soldiers.
The first reading of the law sees 17 MKs vote in favor and none against. Once it passes two more readings, it will change the definition of “family member” eligible to get benefits to the spouse of a fallen or abducted soldier. The previous definition only included female partners of male soldiers and vice versa, while the new definition includes same-sex partners.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed last week that the change would be made, following a request by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.
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