Under the Severance Payments Law, the resignation of a new mother is legally held as a layoff, yet it is not considered a justified reason with respect to leaving a job under Unemployment Insurance Law.
Therefore, a woman who resigned her job, before or after childbirth, will be seen as having terminated her job on her own will, and will start receiving unemployment benefits only after 90 days since the day of work termination (she must produce a certificate form the employer).
Please note, the new mother's resignation caused by the requirement to work extensive hours, or in a split work, or if her workplace is far from her home, will be recognized as justified resignation, subject to an authorization by the employer regarding job requirements. In above situations, eligibility for unemployment benefits will be examined as of the day of work termination.