Knesset Advances Warrantless Search Bill in First Reading

The Knesset plenum approved in first reading a bill that would anchor, or at least extend, police authority to carry out urgent searches without a judge's warrant when officers reasonably suspect illegal weapons, camera footage or documentation tied to a serious crime may be hidden or destroyed. The proposal passed 10-0 with no abstentions and moves to the National Security Committee; Justice Minister Yariv Levin told lawmakers the coalition may extend the temporary order for another year instead of making it permanent. The tool is sensitive, but Israel faces deadly organized crime, especially in law-abiding Arab communities, where evidence can vanish quickly. The right balance is firm police reach, senior-officer approval, documentation and Knesset oversight.