B'Tselem CEO Demands Charges Against Activist Be Dropped, Claims He Led Protest

Shai Glick, CEO of the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem, has formally requested that the police and prosecution drop the indictment against Reut Ben Haim, chairwoman of the activist group Tzav 9. Glick claims he was the actual leader of the protest event at the center of the charges and insists that any legal proceedings should be directed against him instead. The indictment, filed by the Lachish District Prosecutor's Office, accuses Ben Haim of causing a public disturbance without reasonable cause.

Following Glick's letter, Israel Police legal advisor Attorney Eiran Nahon instructed the prosecution division to review the claims and respond accordingly. B'Tselem argues that the charges represent selective and politically motivated enforcement, noting that numerous road blockades across Israel in recent years have not resulted in similar indictments. Glick's letter also cited journalist Josh Breiner's criticism of the use of the "without reasonable cause" clause as an abuse of legal discretion.

Glick emphasized that the protest focused on halting supply trucks bound for the Gaza Strip rather than blocking public roads. He described the charge that the disturbance was created without reasonable cause as a "moral and national disgrace." Glick admitted to leading the event using a megaphone and claimed he lowered it upon seeing police to avoid confrontation, with Ben Haim only taking the megaphone from him afterward. He declared full responsibility for his actions and stated that if his request is denied, he will present the facts during the legal process.

Copies of Glick's letter were sent to key officials including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Constitution Committee Chair Simcha Rothman, and National Security Committee Chair Tzvika Fogel. B'Tselem said it is monitoring the police review and expects the charges against Ben Haim to be dropped.