Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked. Photo: Yoel Meltzer.

JNS.org – Forbes Israel has chosen Israel’s Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked as the magazine’s “Woman of the Year.”

The prestigious annual list includes 50 of Israel’s most influential women in a broad range of fields, including politics, business and academics.

“I thank Forbes for choosing me as the most influential woman this year,” said Shaked. “The list is comprised of intelligent, capable and excelling women and it’s a great honor to me to lead this list….I will continue to work to promote the important issues on the agenda. During my two years in office at the Justice Ministry, I’ve broken many conventions, and I’m just getting started.”

Shaked, 41, is known for her strong nationalist tone. In her relatively young career as a politician, Shaked, a mother of two, has quickly risen through the ranks of the HaBayit HaYehudi party.

Originally a software engineer for Texas Instruments in Israel, Shaked has been one of HaBayit HaYehudi’s most outspoken and fervent members, championing legislation such as a nation-state bill that promotes the Jewish character of Israel. She strongly opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state.