Comptroller Finds Prostitution Enforcement Uneven, Victim Visa Failures

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman published a July 7 audit finding that enforcement of Israel's law banning prostitution purchases remains insufficient and uneven six years after it took effect. The report says police fines fell sharply after 2022, some districts had hundreds of suspected addresses but no fines, and the national anti-trafficking effort lacked enough manpower, targets and coordination. It also found flawed handling of residence or work visas for recognized trafficking victims, warning that gaps can harm rehabilitation and criminal cases. Englman urged police, the Justice Ministry and the Population and Immigration Authority to enforce consistently while protecting vulnerable victims with dignity and due process.