Haim Rotter Interrogated: "I Knew Some of the Complainants, But It Was Consensual''

Chaim Rotter, the chairman of the ultra-Orthodox "Shomrim" civilian security group in Bnei Brak, was formally questioned by police on Tuesday in connection with serious allegations of misconduct. According to journalist Lee Ayash of I24NEWS, Rotter admitted to knowing some of the complainants, but insisted that any acts attributed to him were "entirely consensual."

Sources familiar with the investigation revealed that Rotter's wife was also brought in for questioning under caution. She was later released to house arrest.

Earlier this week, Israeli media reported that a prominent ultra-Orthodox rabbinic figure was summoned to testify in the case, along with another "significant public figure."

Israeli police announced on Sunday that five additional suspects from Bnei Brak had been arrested in connection with the investigation. Some were later released to house arrest.

Journalist Aharon Rabinowitz from Haaretz reported that Rotter is currently being held under close supervision due to concerns over his mental state and the risk of self-harm.

Rotter was apprehended last weekend at Ben Gurion Airport after spending nearly three weeks abroad. He reportedly left Israel shortly after the first reports about the case surfaced. Following his return, he was immediately detained and brought in for interrogation by investigators from the Ramat Gan–Bnei Brak division of the Tel Aviv District Police. A judge approved the extension of his detention, and over the weekend, the court lifted a gag order on his identity.

The case has rocked segments of the ultra-Orthodox community, raising questions not only about personal accountability, but also about communal silence and protection mechanisms.