Israel Returns to Tier 1 in US State Department Trafficking Report
Israel returned to Tier 1 in the US State Department's trafficking report after five years, recognized for major gains in enforcement, victim protection, and prevention.
Israel has returned to Tier 1 in the US Department of State's annual Trafficking in Persons report, following five years in Tier 2. The report, released on Thursday, evaluates global efforts against human trafficking during 2025 and confirms that Israel fully meets international standards for eradicating the phenomenon.
Significant Progress Across Enforcement and Prevention
The US State Department recognized Israel's extensive efforts, led by the Governmental Coordination Unit for Combating Human Trafficking within the Ministry of Justice's Social Division. According to the report, notable progress was recorded across the three core pillars of the fight against trafficking: law enforcement, victim protection, and prevention.
During the reporting period, the number of human trafficking investigations doubled, and harsher sentences were handed down against offenders. Furthermore, standardized procedures were established to formally recognize all types of trafficking victims, accompanied by expanded treatment and rehabilitation services.
Institutional Expansion and Legal Reforms
The report highlighted several key structural enhancements implemented across various Israeli state agencies, including:
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An increase in labor and enforcement inspectors from the Ministry of Economy and the Population and Immigration Authority.
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The establishment of dedicated human trafficking units in multiple districts of the Israel Police.
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The expansion of the police anti-trafficking squad and the appointment of specialized prosecutors within the State Attorney's Office.
As part of these legislative and administrative measures, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Yariv Levin advanced legislation expanding state-funded legal aid for trafficking victims. This assistance now covers comprehensive support throughout criminal proceedings, starting from the initial police investigation stage.
"Following a term of intensive work, we have earned full recognition of Israel's status as a global leader in the fight against human trafficking," stated Minister of Justice Yariv Levin.
Ministry of Justice Director General Itamar Donenfed echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude to the inter-ministerial task force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Welfare, the Israel Police, and other public bodies whose collaborative efforts secured this international milestone.
