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Israel Society & Culture: Israel Prison Service

Separate prison facilities are maintained for adult male criminals, security prisoners, white-collar offenders, juveniles and women. A variety of rehabilitation programs are available, geared to the inmates' profile and offense and aimed at their reintegration into society. Among them are educational and vocational courses; probation frameworks; counseling; and employment opportunities within and outside prison, with earnings divided equally among prisoners, their families and savings schemes. Home leave is granted every 2-3 months to all prisoners except those considered a danger to public safety.

The right of the prisoner to early release is provided by law. Inmates sentenced to more than six months may be discharged at the discretion of the Release Committee after having served two thirds of their sentence. Prisoners serving a life sentence may appeal to the president for either a pardon or a reduction of sentence. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, assisted by volunteer organizations, contributes to the rehabilitation of prisoners by working with their families and, upon their release, supporting their efforts to secure employment and maintain a normative lifestyle.


Sources: Israeli Foreign Ministry