Justice Minister Levin Eyes Sovereignty in West Bank Before Trump's Term Ends

Justice Minister Yariv Levin believes that within the remaining two years of President Donald Trump's term, progress can be made towards applying Israeli sovereignty to parts of the West Bank. He stated that the next government must seize this political opportunity, alongside continued settlement expansion and the completion of the judicial reform.

In an interview with Odelia Kedmi, Levin discussed the judicial reform, his relationship with Supreme Court justices, new right-wing parties, and the future of West Bank settlements. He reflected on the halt of the judicial reform in March 2023, revealing messages from Supreme Court justices regarding judicial appointments and explaining why he views the upcoming elections as a crucial chance to finalize his initiated changes. Levin asserted that protests against him did not shake his resolve, even when faced with demonstrations at his home and during his father's mourning period, emphasizing the need for resilience in leadership.

Levin admitted the personal toll on his family but expressed that criticism from within his own political camp was more damaging than external protests. He argued that some critics created unrealistic public expectations for immediate judicial changes, leading to backlash when results were not swift. He explained that deep judicial reform requires complex processes and confronting powerful interests, and he felt he lacked unified support, even from expected allies.

He confirmed that the decision to halt the reform legislation was against his wishes, warning coalition leaders of its negative consequences. Levin believes stopping the reform was perceived as weakness, encouraging further pressure on the government. He cited a lack of necessary backing from some party leaders and Knesset members, calling the halt a "demonstration of weakness that cost us dearly."

Despite setbacks, Levin rejected the notion that the reform failed, noting that many believed significant judicial changes were impossible after the halt and the outbreak of war. He highlighted achievements such as changes to the Judicial Selection Committee, numerous judicial appointments, the establishment of a ombudsman for judges, and legal changes regarding contract interpretation and the rights of minors and disabled individuals in investigations. He also pointed to the appointment of over 150 judges during his tenure as evidence of a shift in the lower courts' composition.

Levin's primary uncompleted goal is altering the Supreme Court's composition. He anticipates ten vacancies in the next term, presenting a unique opportunity to reshape the court. He believes justices will be unable to indefinitely block his preferred candidates if the number of active justices continues to decrease. He revealed that justices indicated willingness to accept conservative-leaning appointments acceptable to them, while blocking candidates like Dr. Aviad Bakshi and Dr. Bitton, a strategy he described as "you take your political gain, we'll keep our court."

He linked the judicial appointments struggle to his criticism of right-wing parties running separately from Likud, warning that fragmented votes could jeopardize forming a right-wing government capable of advancing judicial changes. He urged undecided voters to support parties certain to pass the electoral threshold, not to rely on small parties entering the Knesset. He also dismissed the idea that voting for a small party strengthens Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, advocating for direct votes for Likud.

Levin criticized new political candidates, like Ofer Vinter, for claiming they can single-handedly solve problems, questioning their commitment to judicial reform, especially during difficult times. He praised the alliance between Bezalel Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin as an example of overcoming differences to prevent vote loss.

Reflecting on the reform's presentation, Levin defended placing judicial changes at the forefront, arguing that past politicians avoided discussing judicial problems, leaving the public unaware of their extent. He believes the reform debate has influenced appointments in the security sector, citing the shelving of Eli Sharvit's Shin Bet chief candidacy due to public scrutiny and David Zinai's subsequent appointment as an example of a power shift. He also mentioned Roman Gofman's appointment as Mossad chief as evidence of increased public involvement in vetting senior officials.

Levin launched a sharp attack on the law enforcement system regarding the Netanyahu trial, calling for its cancellation and a government inquiry into the conduct of investigators and prosecutors. He alleged criminal offenses by some involved and criticized the judges for not acting on exposed evidence. He argued that canceling the trial would allow for an investigation into the conduct of those involved in investigations and indictments, stressing the need for transparency and integrity in law enforcement due to their broad powers.

Levin identified three critical areas for the upcoming elections: the Iranian threat, West Bank settlement, and the Supreme Court's composition. He suggested that cooperation between Netanyahu and Trump could counter Iran's nuclear threat. Regarding settlements, he cited achievements like establishing 104 new communities and expanding infrastructure, reiterating the opportunity for sovereignty in parts of the West Bank before Trump's term ends, warning against a return to policies that halt construction.

Concluding the interview, Levin reiterated his determination to complete the judicial reform and reshape the Supreme Court, urging the public to vote for parties that will ensure the continuation of his supported policies and warning against wasted votes for parties unlikely to pass the electoral threshold.