Husbands Can’t Deny Wives A Divorce

Under a new Israeli law, husbands who deny their wives a divorce may soon find themselves without work, a driver’s license or bank account.

Jewish law requires the husband’s consent to end a marriage, and the legislation passed Tuesday by parliament grants rabbinical courts extended powers to convince husbands to free their wives.

Rabbis can prevent a stubborn husband from leaving the country, receiving a passport or driver’s license, holding public office or working in state-licensed professions such as medicine and law.