Likud Sources Say Justice Minister Levin Fears Primaries, Leading to Supreme Court Boycott

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, known for his strong stance against Israel's judiciary, is reportedly facing declining influence within the Likud party ahead of upcoming primaries. A recent in-depth poll of Likud members places Levin near the bottom of the top ten party figures, while others gain strength. This internal weakening may have motivated Levin's recent provocative move to boycott the Supreme Court, aiming to reinforce his image as a leader in the judicial reform battle and restore his standing before the primaries.

A senior Likud official told Walla that the current confrontational approach toward the judiciary is less about a new ideological shift or a long-term government strategy and more about internal party election dynamics. As the primaries approach, ministers and Knesset members are seeking to distinguish themselves with aggressive statements, videos, and headlines to attract voter attention. The official emphasized that much of the harsh rhetoric does not necessarily reflect the party's permanent stance but serves immediate political needs of candidates trying to improve their list positions.

Levin's actions and the government's unusual decision not to recognize the Second Authority Council's resolutions are thus seen as intertwined with Likud's internal political contest rather than purely judicial reform policy. The official summarized, "There has been no truth in recent weeks; all you see and hear is primaries." While some of these messages may fade after the list is finalized, they currently fulfill a pressing political purpose for those involved.