Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld confirmed Sunday that he had received an official statement from the State Attorney’s Office, which says that lap dancing can be viewed as “an act of prostitution.” While officers are awaiting instructions on how to enforce the new rule, “some letters” have been sent out to club owners to inform them of the freshly issued regulations.
In the meantime, MPs representing several political factions are also sponsoring amendments to the law which would criminalize striptease as “part of the cycle of prostitution”.
“The bill is designed to reflect in Israeli law the direct connection between striptease and prostitution, both of which perpetuate harmful and humiliating attitudes towards women and their bodies,” the draft amendment says. “The stripping industry is closely linked to the prostitution industry, and a large proportion of the strip clubs are used as brothels.”
READ MORE: 'Sexual Act Intended to Please': Lap Dances to Become Criminal Offense in Israel
Although prostitution is officially legal in the country, a bill has recently been passed to fine clients for using prostitutes’ services. On top of this, most related activities, such as soliciting, pimping and brothel-keeping, constitute a crime in the country.