Justice Minister Levin's Tenure Marked by Rising Case Backlog, Fluctuating Public Trust

A data-driven assessment of Justice Minister Yariv Levin's tenure reveals a mixed performance across key metrics. The number of pending court cases saw a significant increase of approximately 13.5% in 2023, reaching a record high of around 501,000 cases by 2025, a 14.5% rise since Levin took office. This surge occurred despite a general downward trend in previous years and a dip in 2024. Experts attribute the growing backlog to a shortage of judges, exacerbating the workload on existing judicial staff.

Public trust in the justice system, which had been declining for a decade, hit a low of 42-43% during Levin's first two years. However, it rebounded to approximately 48% in 2025. Analysts suggest the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a broader decline in trust in government institutions, particularly impacting right-wing and religious segments. Conversely, a segment of the left-wing public, disappointed by the perceived lack of protection for rights and freedoms, also saw a decrease in trust. The rise in trust during Levin's tenure, despite his criticisms of the system, is linked by some analyses to increased confidence among those who perceive democratic governance as under threat.

Levin has initiated legislative measures aimed at streamlining legal proceedings, including the use of video conferencing for preliminary hearings and small claims cases, and the abolition of the legal secretary role. He also championed legislation that overturned the 'Afroim ruling' by former Supreme Court President Aharon Barak, a move he claims will save time and provide legal certainty.

A critical issue highlighted is the persistent shortage of judges. The committee for selecting judges was not convened for nearly a year in 2023 due to Levin's intention to alter its composition, leading to a significant increase in vacant positions. While the committee was eventually compelled to convene, and approximately 160 judges and registrars were appointed, many positions remain unfilled. Notably, no new Supreme Court justices were appointed during Levin's tenure, despite four retirements, leaving the court with 11 justices instead of the full complement of 15. Israel's judicial staffing levels are also considerably lower than the European average.