Bennett Vows to Resolve Israeli Same-Sex Marriage ‘Crisis’: ‘No Citizen Will Need to Travel to Cyprus’
Reflecto News | Israeli Politics | Social Issues
TEL AVIV — In a landmark declaration that could fundamentally alter Israeli social policy, former Prime Minister and opposition leader Naftali Bennett pledged that a government under his leadership would finally resolve the legal status of same-sex marriage in Israel.
During a press conference following the launch of the new “Together” (Yachad) party with Yair Lapid, Bennett was asked directly whether his government would promote same-sex marriage. His response signaled a dramatic shift away from the religious status quo that has governed personal status laws in Israel for decades.
“A government under us will ensure that every citizen in Israel can build a family and enjoy full rights—without needing to travel to Cyprus, Utah, or anywhere else.”
— Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett
The ‘Cyprus Loophole’: An Israeli Reality
Bennett’s reference to Cyprus and Utah highlights a long-standing, inequitable reality in Israel. While same-sex couples are recognized for many rights (such as spousal benefits and inheritance) following a landmark High Court ruling, Israel does not perform civil marriages of any kind—straight or gay. Jewish marriage is controlled exclusively by the Orthodox Chief Rabbinate.
To get legally married, many same-sex couples (and secular straight couples) must travel abroad and then register their marriage retroactively in Israel. Cyprus became the most popular destination for this purpose due to its proximity and simple procedures.
| Aspect | Current Situation |
|---|---|
| Same-Sex Marriage in Israel | Not performed domestically. |
| Recognition of Foreign Marriages | Yes—The state recognizes same-sex marriages performed abroad. |
| The ‘Cyprus Loophole’ | Thousands of Israelis fly to Cyprus for a civil ceremony to register their union upon return. |
| Cost/Burden | Couples must bear the expense of international travel and legal fees—an estimated $2,000–5,000 per couple. |
| Straight Civil Marriage | Also unavailable. Straight couples face similar obstacles (or must undergo Orthodox conversion). |
Bennett’s Delicate Political Path
Bennett’s statement is politically explosive. As the leader of the new right-wing/centrist “Together” party, he must balance his secular base (Lapid’s Yesh Atid voters) with religious and traditional voters who oppose altering Jewish marriage laws.
Key Political Considerations:
- Base Politics: The merger with Lapid requires Bennett to adopt more socially liberal policies to satisfy the centrist, secular voter base.
- Religious Coalition Partners: To form a government, Bennett would likely need to include center-left secular parties and potentially avoid ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) veto power.
- His Own Identity: Bennett identifies as a Religious Zionist (Orthodox Jew). While personally observant, he has signaled that he opposes the religious coercion of the state, stating a government “for all Jews” must serve all citizens.
By promising to end the “flight to Cyprus,” Bennett is acknowledging the financial and logistical hardship placed on the LGBTQ+ community while potentially framing the solution as a matter of bureaucratic efficiency (civil unions/civil marriage) rather than religious recognition of gay marriage.
The Likud’s Stance: Coalition Constraints
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s current government relies heavily on the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism and Shas parties, as well as the Religious Zionist party. These parties have consistently blocked any legislation to legalize civil marriage or same-sex marriage, viewing it as a violation of Halacha (Jewish law).
Current coalition position:
- Netanyahu (Likud): Generally avoids the issue; allows coalition partners to block civil marriage bills; focuses on status quo.
- Religious Zionism (Smotrich): Firmly opposes any form of same-sex marriage or civil unions.
- Haredi Parties (UTJ/Shas): Threaten to leave the coalition if personal status laws are changed.
Bennett’s declaration is a direct challenge to this coalition architecture. It offers a vision of a center-right government that explicitly rejects ultra-Orthodox control over marriage—a stance that could resonate with the secular, traditional “Middle Israel” voter .
Public Support for Same-Sex Marriage in Israel
Bennett’s pledge aligns with steadily growing public opinion in Israel, particularly among the secular Jewish majority.
| Polling Data (Israeli Public) | Trend |
|---|---|
| Support Civil Marriage (General) | ~75% of Israeli Jews support civil marriage for those who want it. |
| Support Same-Sex Marriage | ~55-60% of Israeli Jews support full marriage equality. |
| Opposition | Predominantly among Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) and some Religious Zionist communities. |
A majority of the Israeli public supports a solution to the marriage crisis. However, the parliamentary arithmetic has always allowed a religious minority to veto reform .
The LGBTQ+ Community Reacts
The Aguda – Israel’s LGBTQ+ Task Force, issued a cautious but hopeful response to Bennett’s statement.
“We have heard promises before. But Bennett’s commitment to ending the ‘Cyprus flight’ sounds like a concrete pledge to finally bring civil marriage to Israel. We hope any future coalition will include parties willing to fulfill this moral and civil duty.”
— Spokesperson, The Aguda
Activists noted that while Bennett did not explicitly say “gay marriage,” his reference to “building a family” without traveling abroad is the standard phrasing used by the LGBTQ+ community to demand domestic marriage rights .
What Bennett’s Government Would Actually Do
While Bennett did not specify the exact legislative mechanism, legal experts suggest two possible paths:
| Option | Likelihood | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Marriage Law | High | Establish a completely separate civil marriage track for all citizens, managed by the state rather than religious courts. |
| Compromise Civil Unions | Medium | Create a separate legal status called “Civil Partnership” with all rights of marriage, specifically addressing LGBTQ+ couples. |
The key will be the coalition. If Bennett can form a government without the ultra-Orthodox (or with a faction of them agreeing to abstain), he has a clear path to pass a civil marriage law. If he needs to include Orthodox parties, the law would likely be limited to civil unions .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the “Cyprus” problem that Bennett wants to solve?
In Israel, there is no civil marriage for Jews. To circumvent the Orthodox rabbinate, same-sex couples (and many secular couples) fly to Cyprus to hold a civil ceremony. Israel recognizes the foreign marriage, but the couple must pay for the travel and legal fees. Bennett pledged to end this necessity.
Q2: Is Naftali Bennett personally in favor of gay marriage?
Bennett is an Orthodox Jew, and Orthodox Judaism generally prohibits gay marriage. However, he has stated that Israel must serve all its citizens, not just the religious. He supports the state recognizing same-sex unions through civil law, even if his religion does not sanctify them.
Q3: Does Yair Lapid agree with this?
Yes. Yair Lapid and Yesh Atid have long supported civil marriage and LGBTQ+ rights. The merger with Lapid likely pushed Bennett to make this declaration to satisfy the centrist base of the joint party.
Q4. Will this hurt Bennett with religious voters?
Potentially, but Bennett is betting that religious voters prioritize security and economic issues over blocking gay marriage. He is also hoping to attract votes from secular, higher-income voters who are frustrated with the religious status quo.
Q5: How does this differ from the current government?
The current government is heavily reliant on ultra-Orthodox parties who refuse to allow any civil marriage laws to pass. This has been a major cultural frustration for many Israelis who are not religiously observant.
Q6. Is this just election rhetoric?
While it is definitely a campaign pledge, Bennett has a history of pragmatic centrism. As Prime Minister in 2021-22, he kept his coalition together by promising not to touch religious status laws. This new pledge suggests a post-Oct 7 reprioritization of national unity over religious coercion.
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