President Isaac Herzog Urges Knesset to Approve Police Spyware Law
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called for the immediate regulation of police spyware and the use of administrative detention against crime organizations during an outstanding officers ceremony.
President Isaac Herzog called on Sunday for the immediate regulation of police spyware, the authorization of administrative detention against organized crime families, and decisive action against what he termed "anarchists in Judea and Samaria."
His remarks were delivered during a ceremony honoring 30 outstanding Israel Police officers, held in the presence of Police Commissioner Commissioner Danny Levy.
Call for Advanced Technological Tools
President Herzog expressed deep appreciation for the police, particularly highlighting their performance during the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks.
The President stated:
"On the morning of October 7, many systems failed to function. The Israel Police functioned in a highly impressive manner. Officers were the first to understand, respond, engage, and save many lives. Thanks to them, we sleep better at night."
Addressing the surge of violence and homicides in Israel, Herzog urged the Knesset to provide law enforcement with stronger measures:
"We must immediately pass the spyware law, provide the police with advanced technological tools, and allow administrative detentions against criminal organizations. We must act against the threat of protection rackets and the wild behavior of anarchists in Judea and Samaria."
Outstanding Officers Honored
Among the 30 honorees recognized at the ceremony were several notable officers:
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Master Sergeant Iman Massarwa — a Muslim officer who led the interrogation of captured Hamas Nukhba terrorists, working closely with the Israel Prison Service and the State Attorney's Office.
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Inspector Dean Elsdon — who immigrated from Miami in 2018, served in the Jerusalem YAMAS unit, and now acts as the police spokesperson for international media.
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Inspector K. — a southern YAMAS commander who was wounded in action near the Gaza border, rehabilitated, and returned to active duty.
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First Sergeant Major Liran Tzur — a bomb disposal expert who risked his life to neutralize hostile UAVs to assist in developing mid-air interception methods.
Police Commissioner Danny Levy thanked the President for his support and announced that the police have completed their comprehensive internal investigations into the events of October 7 after a year of work.
