14,000 Sex Workers in Israel, 3,000 of Them Minors

A report presented in Israel in March 2019 estimated that about 14,000 people were engaged in sex work in the country, including an estimated 3,000 minors. According to the data, some individuals entered the cycle of prostitution as young as age 13. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Separate surveys and task force assessments in Israel have indicated that prostitution involves adults of different genders and that a significant portion of individuals in the industry were drawn into it as minors. Estimates vary, with past welfare ministry figures suggesting thousands of minors are involved. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Legal and policy responses in Israel in recent years have included legislation that criminalizes paying for sex, following the Nordic Model. Rehabilitation programs and interministerial committee efforts have been developed to provide services and address prostitution and the prostitution of minors. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}