By a vote of 33-26, the Knesset has approved the first reading of a bill to change the existing presumption that a child up to the age of 6 whose parents live separately will be in his or her mother's custody. It is proposed that said parents be allowed to agree between them, in accordance with a form to be determined by the Minister of Justice, on the manner of exercising their guardianship, subject to the approval of the court.
If they have not reached an agreement, or the agreement has not been implemented, the court may determine an arrangement based primarily on the best interest of the minor, which will be examined, among other things, according to criteria proposed by law. It is further proposed that the court will determine that most of the time the child will stay with his mother, while ensuring a permanent and meaningful relationship with the father, if there are no reasons related to child's interest in another arrangement. In addition, it is proposed to establish provisions regarding the taking of measures against a parent who violates the parenting agreement or arrangement.