In a significant legislative development, the Knesset has given its approval for an amendment to the law which will effectively decrease the duration of the internship period for law interns who began their professional journey between January 2023 and the end of 2024. This amendment was approved following both the second and third readings, marking a crucial change in the landscape of law internships.
Upon closer examination of the amendment, it can be seen that the reduction in the internship period will vary depending on when the internship commenced. Specifically, for those who embarked on their internships between the months of September 2023 and December 2024, they will witness a reduction in their internship duration from 18 months to 12 months. This signifies a significant six-month decrease in the duration of their professional practice period.
Similarly, for those who began their internships from January to August 2023, the duration of their internship will also be reduced but to a lesser extent. In their case, the internship period will be brought down from 18 months to 15 months, marking a three-month decrease in their internship period.
In a further development, the amendment also provides for special circumstances that may interrupt the continuity of the internship. Under this new provision, any intern who misses their internship due to their direct participation in hostilities or due to a state of emergency in the rear, such as reserve service, evacuation, death or abduction of first-degree relatives, will not be penalized. Instead, this period of absence will be counted towards their internship period and will not disrupt its continuity. This is a significant step towards acknowledging and accommodating the challenges and risks faced by interns in volatile situations.
