The political participation of people with disabilities in Israel is enshrined in laws and regulations. The Israeli Election Law stipulates that every Israeli citizen aged 18 and older has the right to vote in Knesset elections and that, from the age of 21, citizens may also stand for election. In the Knesset, 102 of the 120 members have included politicians with disabilities at various times. The Election Law also stipulates that every polling station must have at least one voting booth accessible to voters with limited mobility. In larger towns, there must be at least one accessible voting booth per 10,000 residents. In the elections for the 25th Knesset in 2022, there were a total of 5,265 voting booths where people with limited mobility could vote independently. In addition, 2,979 polling stations were specifically designed to be fully accessible. Hospitals also have specially arranged polling stations to ensure that patients can exercise their right to vote.
Israel faces similar discussions around social and political participation of people with disabilities as other Western democracies. Issues such as accessibility and the lack of barrier-free public facilities are frequently addressed. In 2021, protests took place across the country, during which people blocked train lines and highways to demand higher government support for people with disabilities. Topics such as equal opportunities and the integration of people with disabilities into the labor market are also repeatedly discussed in the public sphere. At the same time, there is a particular sensitivity toward people with disabilities in Israel - not least because of the relatively high number of war veterans and victims of terrorist attacks. There are not only many charitable organizations dedicated to this cause, but also a strong everyday culture of helpfulness and solidarity toward people with disabilities in Israeli society. Israel also has several progressive and innovative aspects and initiatives: Israelis with disabilities are not required to perform military service, but those with severe disabilities may volunteer if they wish. Numerous units within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are open to them.
Given the many challenges Israel currently faces, the political participation of people with disabilities does not always occupy a central place on the political agenda. Moreover, the proportion of people with disabilities in Israel is significantly lower than in the European Union. In the EU, an average of 27 percent - more than a quarter of the population - have a physical or mental disability. In Israel, by contrast, public statistics indicate that about one-fifth of the population has a physical or cognitive impairment.
Naturally, there remains room for development and improvement in Israel as well. In times of war in particular, people with disabilities require special support. For instance, reaching a shelter during a rocket attack can be an immense or even insurmountable challenge. Although such issues are debated in Israeli public discourse, they do not always receive top priority. Despite - or because of - the difficult times, this topic deserves more attention, and engagement with it should be part of the political agenda.
Read the full report as a PDF to learn more about political participation of people with disabilities in an international comparison.
