Justice Minister Levin Plans Overhaul of Israel's Supreme Court Without Legislative Reform

Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin revealed in a private conversation with Likud activists his intention to fundamentally change the composition of the Supreme Court in the next term without the need for legislative reform. Levin explained that as two-thirds of the current justices retire or leave, a new group of judges will be appointed, significantly altering the court's character. According to a report by Kan 11, Levin shared details from a conversation he had about a year and a half ago with a Supreme Court justice who criticized figures like Dr. Aviad Bakshi and Dr. Rafi Biton as not meeting the court's standards. Levin responded that in the upcoming term, when two-thirds of the justices are replaced, these figures and similar appointments would reshape the institution fundamentally.

Levin emphasized his desire to continue as Justice Minister in the next government and noted that six more justices are expected to retire during the upcoming term. Combined with four current vacancies caused by prolonged disputes in the Judicial Selection Committee, this will allow the next minister to appoint ten justices, constituting two-thirds of the Supreme Court bench. This strategy aims to change the court's makeup without passing a formal reform law.