What are the main stages in civil proceedings in Israel? What is their underlying timeframe?
The main stages in civil proceedings brought before courts of first instance in Israel are as follows: First, a complaint is filed with the appropriate court. Next, the complaint is served upon the defendant. The defendant then files an answer to the complaint, after which the plaintiff is entitled to respond to the defendant’s answer. Once the parties complete the exchange of pleadings, the parties begin the discovery process (comprised mainly of interrogatories and document discovery and production) in preparation for the upcoming trial. At the same time, the parties may engage in a motion practice, in which they may file motions, such as motions to dismiss, motions to amend pleadings, etc. Before the trial begins, the judge presiding over the case will hold a pre-trial hearing or hearings in order to maximise the efficiency of the pre-trial process and the trial, and in order to ascertain whether a settlement can be reached amongst the parties. Once the case is ready for trial, the
