Suicide Watch, Secret Intel, and a Midnight Arrest: Rotter Case Just Got Deeper
Police launch special investigative unit as more suspects are detained and concerns grow over Rotter’s mental state
Twitter
The unfolding criminal investigation surrounding Haim Rotter, head of the Bnei Brak-based Shomrim organization, took a dramatic turn Sunday as police confirmed the arrest of two additional suspects in connection to the case. This comes just hours after three others, all in their twenties, were detained earlier in the day.
According to an official police statement, both of the newly arrested individuals are Bnei Brak residents and were taken in for questioning by detectives from the Dan District’s special investigative team. A decision regarding the extension of their detention will be made following their interrogation.
The investigation, described by police as involving “serious offenses,” remains ongoing.
Journalist Aharon Rabinowitz reported that Rotter has been placed under strict surveillance in detention, following alarming indications about his mental state, raising fears that he may attempt to harm himself.
Rotter was apprehended over the weekend at Ben Gurion Airport after three weeks abroad, having left Israel shortly after initial reports about the allegations surfaced. Following his return, he was taken into custody by police officers from a department he knew well—given his close ties with law enforcement through his leadership of Shomrim, a civilian security group.
He was brought in for interrogation at the Ramat Gan–Bnei Brak precinct and later remanded by a Tel Aviv court for several days. On Friday, a court order allowing the publication of his name was lifted.
Also on Friday, the Israel Police formally announced the establishment of a special investigation unit within the Dan District to handle the growing case. So far, at least eight complaints have been filed against Rotter, with officials warning that the number may rise.
The decision to form a dedicated team was made following a high-level assessment led by Tel Aviv District Commander Haim Sargrof, who cited the severity of the allegations and the complexity of the case.
In a statement, police said the unit was tasked with conducting a thorough and professional investigation with the goal of uncovering the full truth.
As the scandal deepens, many in the ultra-Orthodox community are still reeling from the shocking revelations, with Rotter’s arrest marking one of the most high-profile cases in recent memory involving a Haredi figure tied to internal security and community leadership.