The Exceptions to the Law
The law does not apply to all types of genetic testing, and there are some exceptions where DNA testing is allowed in Israel. For instance, the law does not prohibit genetic testing for medical purposes, such as diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases, as long as the person or their legal guardian gives informed consent. The law also does not prevent genetic testing for research purposes, as long as the person or their legal guardian gives informed consent and the research is approved by an ethics committee.
Another exception to the law is the use of DNA testing by the rabbinical courts, which have the authority to order DNA tests for paternity or maternity issues in cases of family law. However, this practice has been controversial, as some rabbinical courts have also used DNA tests for Jewish status determination, which is not allowed by the law. For example, some rabbinical courts have required DNA tests from immigrants from the former Soviet Union or their descendants, who want to marry through the chief rabbinate, to prove their Jewish ancestry. This has caused outrage and criticism from some politicians, activists, and organizations, who have demanded a ban on DNA tests by the rabbinical courts.
