Burial policy in Israel: between public service provision and real-estate commercialization

This study examines burial policy in Israel through public policy and public administration, conceptualising burial as a real-estate–mediated welfare service within a hybrid governance framework. It employs a mixed-methods design, combining qualitative analysis of policy documents and institutional reports with descriptive quantitative data on burial trends and pricing. Although formally a universal public service, burial provision exhibits growing inequalities, as access to location, burial type, and density increasingly depends on financial capacity. These patterns reflect depoliticisation, fragmented governance, and land scarcity. The study highlights implications for equality and spatial justice, calling for stronger state involvement and coordinated national policy.