Yariv Levin is a senior Israeli lawmaker in the Likud Party and currently serves as the country's justice minister and deputy prime minister. He previously served as Knesset speaker, aliyah and integration minister, tourism minister, and public security minister.
A longtime member of the Likud, Levin's influence in Israeli politics skyrocketed in 2023 when he announced a wide-ranging overhaul of the country's judicial system. Created and spearheaded by both himself and MK Simcha Rothman, judicial reform was highly controversial and sparked massive nationwide protests for months on end, interrupted only by the October 7 massacre and Israel's subsequent war against Hamas.
A-G warns that the proposed judicial selection reform prioritizes politics over professionalism, risking judicial independence and altering the balance of Israel’s legal system.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin announced that the temporary law prohibiting the consumption of prostitution, introduced in July 2020, will now become permanent.
How will the government’s proposal politicize the judicial watchdog appointment?
Levin refused to accept the decision, stating that he would not sign off on Amit’s appointment alongside President Isaac Herzog, nor would he cooperate with Amit in any way.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana boycotted the event.
The incoming president of the Supreme Court could raise the flag of compromise in the form of the victor’s outstretched hand and allow Levin’s candidate to be appointed to the court.
According to the polling, in a scenario where a party led by Bennett runs in the elections, the Bennet-led opposition bloc would secure a majority of 66 seats.
Since May 2024, the position of Ombudsman of the Judiciary has remained vacant.
Levin is now expected to try to push through one of the key planks of his judicial reform -- changes in how the court is selected.
The new proposal also includes a mechanism to prevent a stalemate in high court appointments.
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