Extradition Defence Before Jerusalem & Tel Aviv District Courts
We represent clients facing extradition requests under the Extradition Law 5714-1954 and bilateral treaties including the US-Israel Treaty 1962/2005. Our team litigates dual criminality defences, political offence exceptions, and humanitarian bars before Jerusalem District Court and Tel Aviv District Court. Israelis charged abroad, foreign nationals in Israel, and dual citizens all require specialised counsel who understand both Israeli procedure and the requesting state's legal system.
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Fighting Extradition Requests Under Israeli Law and Bilateral Treaties
Israel processes extradition requests under the Extradition Law 5714-1954, bilateral treaties with more than 30 states including the United States (Treaty 1962, amended 2005), and the European Convention on Extradition 1957. Requests are initially reviewed by the Ministry of Justice International Department, which determines whether the request meets formal requirements: dual criminality, prima facie evidence, and compliance with treaty terms. If the Ministry approves, the case proceeds to either Jerusalem District Court or Tel Aviv District Court depending on where the requested person resides or was apprehended.
District Court hearings examine whether dual criminality exists (the conduct is criminal in both Israel and the requesting state), whether evidence meets the prima facie standard, and whether any mandatory or discretionary bars apply. Mandatory bars include political offences, military offences, discriminatory prosecution, and double jeopardy. Discretionary bars include humanitarian concerns, the requested person's health, family ties in Israel, and the passage of time. Where one or more of these bars applies and is properly argued and evidenced, the court can refuse extradition outright.
Our firm represents clients at every stage: pre-request strategy (challenging the underlying Red Notice or Diffusion via CCF applications), Ministry of Justice submissions opposing certification, District Court litigation presenting dual criminality and humanitarian defences, and appeals to the Supreme Court if the District Court grants extradition. We coordinate with counsel in the requesting state to address the underlying charges, negotiate withdrawal of requests, or pursue parallel Red Notice removal through Interpol's CCF. Clients include Israeli nationals charged abroad, foreign nationals residing in Israel, and dual citizens facing US, European, or other extradition requests. Related services include Interpol representation, US-Israel treaty defence, and sanctions-related extradition matters.
How We Handle an Extradition Request
Within 2 hours of contact, we review arrest warrants, Interpol notices, and extradition requests. If you are in custody, we immediately petition for release pending the District Court hearing or negotiate surrender terms with the Ministry of Justice.
We file detailed written submissions to the International Department arguing dual criminality deficiencies, treaty violations, political or discriminatory nature of charges, and humanitarian factors., the Ministry declines to certify the request.
We present evidence and legal argument before Jerusalem or Tel Aviv District Court on all applicable bars: dual criminality, political offence, double jeopardy, passage of time, health, family ties, and humanitarian concerns. Hearings typically occur 60–180 days after certification.
We simultaneously pursue CCF applications to remove underlying Red Notices or Diffusions and coordinate with your foreign counsel to address charges in the requesting state, negotiate plea agreements, or secure withdrawal of the extradition request.
If the District Court grants extradition, we file an appeal to the Supreme Court within 45 days. If extradition is refused, we assist with lifting travel restrictions, removing Interpol data, and preventing re-arrest in third countries.
Israeli Advocates Admitted to District Courts for Extradition Defence
Doctor of Law with Master’s degrees in law from Lviv University and Stanford University. Represents clients before the ECHR and in INTERPOL matters — extradition, data protection and freedom of movement. English, Ukrainian, Russian.
Senior Associate in INTERPOL defence, extradition and international criminal matters; Master’s in criminal law and several years of practice within a national judicial system.
Official sources
and European Arrest Warrant defence.
Related practice: cybercrime extradition defence.
This page explains general legal procedure and is not legal advice. Outcomes depend on the facts of each case.
Israeli Extradition Law: Procedure, Defences, and Timeline
What are the grounds to refuse extradition in Israel? +
How long does extradition take in Israel? +
What is dual criminality in Israeli extradition law? +
Can Israel refuse to extradite its nationals? +
What happens after an extradition request is served? +
What is the role of the Ministry of Justice in extradition? +
Schedule a Consultation with Our District Court Specialists
We respond within 2 hours to all extradition and arrest warrant inquiries. Our team is available 24/7 for custody hearings and urgent Ministry of Justice submissions.