Proposed Amendment to Israel’s Law of Return Could Eliminate Grandchild Clause

The Israeli government is once again debating one of the most contentious elements of its Law of Return — the so-called “grandchild clause,” which allows individuals with a Jewish grandparent to immigrate to Israel. According to The Times of Israel, the current proposal has enough support to pass within the next two months.

Background: What’s at Stake?

The amendment, reintroduced by far-right Noam party leader Avi Maoz, seeks to revoke the 1970 addition to the Law of Return that granted aliyah rights to the grandchildren of Jews and their spouses. Maoz claims the clause is a distortion that enables non-Jews “who have lost connection with the Jewish people and tradition” to exploit the system.

If passed, the change would primarily affect immigrants from the former Soviet Union, where Jewish identity is often passed through the paternal line, unlike in Israel where matrilineal descent is decisive in religious law.

In 2023, the Supreme Court expanded the law further to include widows and widowers of children or grandchildren of Jews. Critics of the proposed amendment argue that it undermines these legal protections and the broader historical mission of the law.

Growing Political Support

Until recently, Maoz acknowledged that his proposal was unlikely to pass. Now, however, several coalition members — including Deputy Transport Minister Uri Maklev (United Torah Judaism), Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi (Likud), and other party leaders — are backing the initiative.

Karhi argues that the 1970 clause was merely a response to global antisemitism and not intended as a tool for “economic migrants.” He also accused Avigdor Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu party of bringing in “complete non-Jews” who allegedly leave Israel after receiving benefits.

The Ministry of Interior has reported that around 40% of new immigrants leave the country after receiving their Israeli passport. As a result, laws have already been tightened: new arrivals must now prove an intent to reside in Israel, and simplified access to the Israeli passport (darkon) has been rescinded.

Lieberman, in response, highlighted the 7,000 IDF soldiers with only a Jewish grandparent or father who have defended the country, noting: “They are far more Jewish than any draft dodger who harms Israel’s security.”

Public Backlash and Legal Obstacles
Members of opposition parties such as Yesh Atid and Labor have condemned the bill as racist and divisive. Gilad Kariv (Labor) emphasized that 1.2 million Russian-speaking Israelis have made invaluable contributions to society. Vladimir Beliak (Yesh Atid) reminded the public that 40 immigrant soldiers have died in the war with Hamas, with many more wounded or kidnapped.

Currently, the only political barrier to passing the amendment is the veto power of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, leader of the New Hope party. However, should New Hope merge with Likud, this final obstacle could be removed.

Broader Implications

This proposed legislative change reflects a larger debate about Jewish identity, immigration policy, and the role of religious law in Israeli citizenship. It also affects Israel's relationship with the Jewish diaspora, particularly communities in Eastern Europe.

Whether the amendment passes or not, it underscores a significant shift in how the state defines “who is a Jew” — not just religiously, but legally and nationally.