Former Shomrim Leader Chaim Rotter Expected to Be Released to House Arrest Next Week
The Tel Aviv District Court held another hearing on Thursday regarding Chaim Rotter, the former head of the Shomrim organization in Bnei Brak, who faces serious sexual offense charges from four complainants. Rotter is expected to be released to house arrest at his family home in Jerusalem on Monday, August 17, under the supervision of five monitors. Three of these monitors are scheduled to appear in court that day to complete the approval process, after which the court is likely to order his release, unless the prosecution requests a delay and appeals to the Supreme Court again. The prosecution has not commented on whether it will seek such a delay.
During the hearing, the court reviewed the proposed house arrest arrangement. The prosecution objected to one of the proposed monitors due to a weak connection with Rotter, while the court noted that the monitoring team includes five individuals, including Rotter's brother. So far, two monitors have been approved, with the remaining three expected to be confirmed on Monday. The hearing was postponed to allow completion of this process. Rotter participated via video conference, appearing smiling and waving to his family, who were not present in court.
The judge ordered a report on the location and supervision plan before the next hearing and stated that release could be considered based on existing evidence without a probation service report. The issue of Rotter's release reached the Supreme Court in July after the prosecution appealed a lower court's decision to release him to house arrest. The Supreme Court approved the possibility but required changes, including replacing monitors and ensuring no minors are present at the residence. Rotter remained in custody until a suitable alternative was arranged.
Rotter faces four counts of serious sexual offenses, including alleged rape and indecent acts, involving complainants dating back to 2009, some of whom were minors at the time. The prosecution alleges he abused his position as head of Shomrim, a role he held for about 15 years, to commit these offenses. The investigation began in June 2025 following complaints, and Rotter was arrested upon returning to Israel at Ben Gurion Airport. The court previously ruled there was reasonable suspicion against him and noted a "high danger" risk. Additional complaints have recently been filed, with ongoing investigations.
The upcoming Monday hearing is expected to be decisive regarding Rotter's release to house arrest, contingent on the approval of the remaining monitors and any prosecution appeals.
