Israel is in constant political gridlock, but at least the country’s lawmakers are good-looking.

So say readers of Spanish newspaper 20 Minutos. They ranked four Israeli politicians among the world’s 54 most beautiful in an online poll published this week. Current Knesset members Orli Levy, Ruhama Avraham Balila and Anastassia Michaeli were joined by former Knesset member Penina Rosenblum on the list, with Levy ranking highest at 14th overall.

Just one country, Spain, placed more politicians on the list, with Israel matching the United States and Mexico with its four. The rankings were restricted to female politicians, and also included former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Timoshenko (#8), former U.S. vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin (#24) and former French presidential candidate Segolene Royal (#36). Peruvian congresswoman Luciana Leon topped the list, while U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton earned the distinction of being its oldest member, coming in 34th at age 61.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

Of Israel’s representatives on the list, three are former models, with only Avraham Balila not drawing upon her looks as a previous source of income.

The four Israelis represent a limited range of the political spectrum: Levy and Michaeli hail from the right-wing Yisrael Beitenu, while Avraham Balila and Rosenblum first served in the Knesset as members of Likud. Avraham Balila, the outgoing tourism minister, is now a member of the centrist Kadima party.

Twenty-one of the 120 members of the incoming Knesset are women.

A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount