Despite the Ministry of Health's position: The gynecologist convicted of sex offenses will return to work

The Jerusalem District Court dismissed the appeal filed by the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel and the Israel Women's Network against the Ministry of Health's decision not to permanently revoke the license of gynecologist Dr. Benny Schechter, who was convicted of committing indecent acts by deception against three of his patients.

The sanction determined in his case — the suspension of his medical license for seven years — remains in effect. Since the suspension is counted from April 2021, Schechter will be able to return to medical practice in 2028.

The court did not examine the substantive question of whether it is appropriate to revoke Schechter's license permanently. Judge Nimrod Flax ruled that the organizations that filed the appeal had no standing to challenge the decision of the official in charge of judicial decisions at the Ministry of Health.

Following the verdict, the women's organizations announced that they would petition the High Court of Justice (Bagatz) to demand the permanent revocation of Schechter's license.

Convicted of indecent acts

The affair began in 2015–2016, when investigations were opened against Schechter following complaints from three patients. In 2016, an indictment was filed charging him with rape by deception and indecent acts by deception. In October 2020, he was acquitted of rape but convicted of indecent acts by deception against the three patients.

In April 2021, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison, a suspended sentence, and 145,000 shekels in compensation. Appeals to the Supreme Court were rejected in April 2022. In 2023, an amended disciplinary complaint was filed based on his conviction and a complaint from a fourth patient. In July 2024, the disciplinary committee unanimously confirmed the acts, but was divided on the punishment: a majority recommended permanent revocation, while a minority suggested returning the license after four years.

In January 2025, retired judge Amnon Straschnov, the official in charge of judicial decisions at the Ministry of Health, decided to suspend the license for seven years starting from April 2021.

The Ministry of Health's failed appeal

The Association of Rape Crisis Centers and the Israel Women's Network argued that the punishment was unreasonable given the severity of the acts and the breach of trust. However, Judge Flax ruled that under the Physicians Ordinance, only a "person aggrieved by the order" has standing to appeal, and public organizations do not meet this criteria.

The Ministry of Health also sought to join the proceeding, arguing that the Physicians Ordinance is outdated and requires reform. The court acknowledged the "anomaly" and the problematic legal situation, but determined that under existing law, the Ministry has no right to appeal a decision made by the Minister's representative.

The court also rejected the Ministry's request for an extension to file an independent appeal, noting it was filed 14 months late. Advocate Hilla Neubach stated: "The court preferred legal hair-splitting over common sense. We intend to petition the High Court of Justice." Advocate Gali Singer added: "A convicted sex offender cannot return to the treatment room."