Justice Minister Levin calls for renewing Judicial Reforms after flares fired at Netanyahu's private residence

Two flares were fired at the private residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Caesarea on Saturday evening. Although Netanyahu was not at home, and no one was injured in the incident, Justice Minister Yariv Levin used the incident to call for a resumption of the controversial legislation which led to massive protests last year. 

"There was no need for the flares tonight fired at the prime minister's house to understand the severity of the rampant violence and the insubordination from those trying to dismantle the country from within," Levin wrote on his Telegram account.

"I outright reject the police and Shin Bet's determination that this is a 'serious incident,'" he continued. "This is not just another serious incident. It is a link in a chain of violent and anarchistic actions, aimed at bringing about the murder of the prime minister and the overthrow of the elected government through a violent coup."

He added, "This chain of actions has been going on for about two years, under the cover of selective enforcement by law enforcement authorities. This criminal conduct has, of course, also been legitimized by the Supreme Court, which rejected the petition filed by my colleague Minister Wasserlauf on this matter."

According to Levin, "Since the establishment of the government, I have been fighting to change things fundamentally. To change the composition of the Supreme Court, to reform the legal counsel system to the government, and to put an end to selective enforcement."

"It is time for all members of the coalition, all factions, and all Knesset members, to announce unequivocal support for the moves I have led and that were stopped, and for any other action necessary to change the situation," he said. "It is time to provide full backing to restore the judicial system and law enforcement, and to put an end to the anarchy, the chaos, the insubordination, and the attempts to harm the Prime Minister.” 

The chairman of the National Unity party, Benny Gantz, slammed Levin’s call to resume the judicial reform legislation. 

Writing on 𝕏, Gantz said, ”The regime change led by Levin brought disaster upon the State of Israel, tore us apart from the inside, and plays a large part in why we reached October 7th.” 

“The fact that he is bringing up the idea of returning to it while all of Israeli society is mobilized for a difficult war proves that not only has he not learned the lesson – he is also an irresponsible person,” Gantz continued. “The entire government and the Prime Minister have a supreme responsibility to remove this issue from the table quickly, decisively, and clearly.” 

Gantz had earlier posted a message to 𝕏 condemning the firing of the flares at Netanyahu’s residence, calling it a “serious matter” and saying the police and Shin Bet should bring the perpetrators to justice.