[Trade in] women and the Israel police

The article offers a feminist critique of contemporary policing in Israel. It confronts policing from a perspective of women’s experiences – of women in prostitution in particular. Thus, the proposed analysis unmasks the manner in which policing is not only gender-biased but, in fact, works against women’s good. The argument is based on an analysis of the structural features of policing in Israel and its symbolic functions, as well as on an analysis of Israel Police performance in cases of male violence against women, especially women in prostitution, domestic violence and sexual harassment of female officers. It will be argued, therefore, that only a comprehensive restructuring of policing may lead to true protection of and service to women.