is governed by the Inheritance Law (1965), which permits a testator to revoke a will at any time while possessing full legal capacity. Valid revocation methods include executing a new will that expressly revokes the prior one, destroying the original document, or filing a revocation notice with the Registrar of Inheritance. One critical exception: a mutual will containing a contractual element may impose binding restrictions on revocation after the first spouse's death. The Law Office of Adv. & CPA Shoshi Arbib advises on all will amendments, revocations, and mutual will constraints.
Can a Will Be Cancelled in Israel?
Yes — a will can always be revoked by the person who made it (the testator), as long as that person has legal capacity. Israeli law recognises several methods of revocation, and a will cannot become irrevocable except in very limited circumstances such as a mutual will with contractual obligations.
How to Cancel a Will
- Making a new will: The most common method. A new, properly executed will revokes earlier wills to the extent of any inconsistency — and usually contains an explicit revocation clause.
- Written declaration: A formal written declaration, signed with the same formalities as the original will, can revoke the will without replacing it.
- Physical destruction: Deliberately tearing, burning, or destroying the will document demonstrates intent to revoke — but this method carries risk if copies exist or the act is disputed later.
Mutual Will — The Exception
A mutual will signed by two spouses may include a contractual element that limits revocation after one spouse dies. If one partner has already died relying on the mutual will, the survivor may not be able to revoke it freely. This is one of the most important legal nuances in Israeli succession law.
How do I revoke a will I made in Israel?
The simplest way to revoke a will in Israel is to make a new will with an explicit revocation clause. You can also sign a formal written revocation document (with the same formalities required for a will) or physically destroy the will document — though physical destruction carries practical risks. If your original will was registered with the Registrar of Inheritance Affairs, notify them of the revocation.
What is mutual will — the exception?
A mutual will signed by two spouses may include a contractual element that limits revocation after one spouse dies. If one partner has already died relying on the mutual will, the survivor may not be able to revoke it freely. This is one of the most important legal nuances in Israeli succession law.
Official References: Israel Ministry of Justice — Succession · Israeli Courts Administration · Israel Land Authority · National Insurance Institute of Israel · Israel Tax Authority
4 Steps to a Valid Will in Israel
- Initial legal consultation — Meet with a specialist inheritance attorney to review your assets, pension rights, and intentions.
- Choose the type of will — Handwritten, witnessed, authorised (before a judge or notary), or oral — each has distinct legal requirements under the Inheritance Law 5725-1965.
- Draft and sign — The will is drafted to meet statutory requirements and signed in the presence of two independent witnesses who are not beneficiaries.
- Deposit for safekeeping — Lodge the will with the Registrar of Inheritance Affairs for official registration and legal validity.
Shoshi Arbib Law Office — Attorney | CPA | Mediator, Netanya, Israel.
