US State Department restores Israel to highest anti-trafficking ranking for first time since 2021
Justice Minister Yariv Levin called the renewed Tier 1 ranking recognition of Israel’s intensive work against human trafficking.
Israel has regained its Tier 1 ranking, the top tier in the annual US State Department Trafficking in Persons Report, for the first time since 2021. The ministry announced this development on Thursday night, noting that Israel's efforts during 2025 met the US minimum standards to eliminate human trafficking. Israel had been in Tier 2 for five consecutive years before this latest improvement.
The State Department highlighted five key areas where Israel has made significant progress: a doubling of trafficking investigations, increased sentences imposed on offenders, formal recognition procedures for different trafficking victim categories, expanded treatment and rehabilitation services, and enhanced labor and immigration enforcement. These measures include establishing dedicated police units, appointing prosecutors to handle trafficking cases, and providing expanded legal assistance for victims.
According to the report, Israel's renewed Tier 1 ranking is a recognition of the country's extensive work in combating human trafficking and preventing exploitation. Justice Minister Yariv Levin expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that Israel has earned its place among the world's leading countries in the fight against human trafficking. He thanked all partners in the effort to combat this serious phenomenon.
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