Levin says ‘nothing will dissuade me’ from going through with overhaul

Justice Minister Yariv Levin says he “commits” to engage in dialogue about the judicial overhaul, but that “nothing will dissuade me from doing the right thing, and executing a reform to the judicial system.”

“I pledge to each and every citizen of Israel that I will never refrain from making every effort to reach dialogue and understandings,” he says.

The opposition has demanded the coalition halt the bill’s progress during negotiations, but the government has refused, nixing any potential talks.

Levin says Opposition Leader Lapid and National Unity party leader Gantz are the ones who have to “lead” this discussion and not leave it to protesters.

“Come, let’s sit. I believe we can come to understandings,” Levin says, amid interruptions from furious opposition lawmakers.

“I think that it’s our responsibility to speak, I think it’s our responsibilty to try. I don’t think we achieve anythign with violence or by setting conditions.”

Levin defends the bills to give the government control over choosing judges as rebalancing power in society.

“I say to the citizens of Israel – we will bring into the Supreme Court those who are not part of this aristocratic family. It will have room for everyone. From this side, and from the other side.”

He claims past justice ministers would have supported the judicial overhaul and that it will boost pluralism and “bring justices from every corner of the nation.”