Writing an Israeli Will as an Oleh
Everything You Need to Know

Making aliyah involves a great deal of planning — and estate planning is one of the areas most easily overlooked. As an oleh, you may hold assets in more than one country: an Israeli apartment, Israeli bank accounts, a pension fund from abroad, and a foreign will drafted before you moved. The question of whether that foreign will adequately covers your Israeli assets — and what happens if it does not — is one worth addressing proactively, not in the middle of a family crisis.

Israeli succession law is governed primarily by the Inheritance Law, 5725-1965. It applies to Israeli assets regardless of the testator's citizenship. A will made in another country can be recognised in Israel, but the process is considerably more complex than probating an Israeli will — which is why many olim choose to draft a dedicated Israeli will to cover their Israeli assets.

Adv. Liron Elmaliach advises olim from English-speaking countries on all aspects of Israeli estate planning. Consultations are conducted in English, documents can be drafted bilingually, and the process is explained at every stage.

What to Include in Your Israeli Will as an Oleh

Israeli real estate. If you own an apartment in Israel, your will should name the beneficiary clearly — including full identifying details — and specify whether the property passes outright or subject to conditions. Non-resident beneficiaries can inherit Israeli property, though they may face capital gains tax considerations on a future sale.

Executor (מנהל עיזבון). Appointing an Israel-based executor who is familiar with Israeli banking, land registry, and probate procedures will significantly ease the administration of your estate. Your executor does not need to be an attorney, but should be a reliable adult with the practical ability to handle official Israeli institutions.

Governing law clause. Where you hold assets in more than one country, it is worth including a clause specifying which law governs the Israeli will — confirming that Israeli law applies to Israeli assets and that the Israeli will does not revoke any foreign will in force with respect to foreign assets.

Coordination with a Continuing Power of Attorney. A will takes effect after death. A Continuing Power of Attorney (CPoA) covers the period when you are alive but unable to make decisions. For olim whose family may be partly abroad, a CPoA naming an Israel-based appointee can be critical. Adv. Liron Elmaliach is authorised by the Official Receiver to prepare CPoAs.

Charitable bequests and digital legacy. If you wish to leave a bequest to an Israeli or foreign charity, or to address the fate of digital accounts and cryptocurrency, these should be addressed explicitly in the will — Israeli courts will not assume an intention that is not written.

Keeping the will current. Marriage in Israel automatically revokes a prior will. The birth of a child, divorce, or acquisition of significant new assets are all trigger events for a review and update. We recommend reviewing your Israeli will after every major life change.