New York’s January 2026 settlement with Betar US stunned observers by forcing a militant pro-Israel group to halt operations in the state. The agreement followed a 10-month investigation into intimidation, harassment, and alleged bias-motivated violence tied to the group’s activities. Officials called it unprecedented. Supporters called it overdue. Critics called it selective enforcement. The deeper story explains how this moment unfolded. Let’s look into this deeper.
A Century-Old Name Reappears Suddenly
Betar traces back to 1923, founded by Ze’ev Jabotinsky in Latvia as a militant Zionist youth movement. After decades of limited visibility, the name resurfaced in 2024 as Betar US. The group described itself as “the most active real-world Zionist activist organization” in America, promoting a “loud, proud, aggressive” posture that quickly attracted attention.
Complaints Sparked A March 2025 Probe
New York Attorney General Letitia James opened an investigation in March 2025 after complaints alleging threatening conduct toward Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, and Jewish individuals. Investigators reviewed hundreds of thousands of documents, texts, and witness statements across 10 months. Unlike cases involving formal entities, this inquiry tracked a loose activist network. Specific incidents soon became central.
Beepers Used As A Terror Reference
Investigators said Betar members attempted to force beepers onto people perceived as Muslim or pro-Palestinian in early 2025. The act referenced Israel’s September 2024 pager attack in Lebanon, which killed 42 and injured over 4,000. At a New York City university, hijab and keffiyeh wearers were harassed, expanding the intimidation pattern.
“Of Course We Place Jews On Lists”
The probe documented hostility toward Jewish activists who opposed Betar’s ideology. Leaders wrote, “of course we place Jews on lists,” discussing targeting New Yorkers deemed disloyal. Investigators said threats included sharing lists with foreign authorities to disrupt travel. The Anti-Defamation League later added Betar to its extremism database, raising difficult internal questions.
Facial Recognition And Deportation Claims
Betar publicly claimed it used facial recognition to identify masked activists and compile deportation lists, urging the Trump administration to deport pro-Palestinian students. Although later disavowed, investigators said the claims aimed to intimidate and chill First Amendment activity. Federal court filings later described a DHS “Tiger Team” reviewing over 5,000 names, hinting at broader consequences.
“We Demand Blood In Gaza” Posts
Investigators cited Betar social media praising violence, including posts stating “we demand blood in Gaza” and claiming babies killed there were “not enough.” Private messages added, “We are at war. Violence is needed.” The group also mocked keffiyehs as “rape rags,” which New York said showed anti-Arab and anti-Muslim animus.
Brooklyn Protest Turns Pivotal
Ahead of a February 18, 2025 Brooklyn protest, Betar urged supporters to “bring dogs, borrow a pit bull,” and “fight back,” labeling opponents “terrorists.” Violence followed, and at least 1 person was stabbed. Betar later posted, “Indeed [protesters] were beaten. Don’t come to Brooklyn.” Investigators weighed whether coordination could be proven.
Trespassing And Flag Destruction Go Viral
Beyond protests, investigators said Betar members trespassed at private homes to steal and destroy Palestinian flags, recording and celebrating it online. The probe also cited vandalism of memorials and symbolic sites linked to Palestinian solidarity. Officials argued the repeated acts suggested organization rather than random clashes, shaping the state’s eventual legal strategy.
Jewish Professors Targeted At Home
The investigation found Betar also targeted Jewish academics it deemed insufficiently aligned. At least 1 Jewish professor was warned followers would come to his home. Columbia assistant professor Shai Davidai faced Betar condemnation despite being pro-Israel. Davidai later praised the settlement, arguing Betar’s extremism endangered Jews as well as others.
ADL’s Rare Move Against A Jewish Group
In February 2025, the Anti-Defamation League added Betar to its extremism database, the first Jewish organization listed. The ADL cited calls to “fight back,” links to groups like the Proud Boys, and rhetoric tied to Rabbi Meir Kahane. Betar responded by calling the ADL “radical extremist,” deepening public conflict.
The Leader Behind Betar US
Betar’s revival centered on chairman Ronn Torossian, a Brooklyn-born PR executive who founded 5W Public Relations in 2002. He previously served as Betar’s national president from 1994 to 1996. On January 13, 2026, he said: “You have people walking the streets vowing to murder Jews, so somebody can’t hand them a beeper that they buy on eBay?”
What The January 13, 2026 Deal Requires
On January 13, 2026, Letitia James announced a settlement requiring Betar to stop encouraging violence, threatening protesters, and harassing people exercising civil rights. The agreement included a suspended $50,000 penalty, triggered by violations, plus annual compliance reports for 3 years. Betar agreed to dissolve its New York not-for-profit.
No Admission, Big Dispute
Betar admitted no wrongdoing. The settlement states actions taken “shall be deemed or construed as an admission by Respondent of wrongdoing.” Torossian emphasized this, declaring, “Betar denies all allegations of wrongdoing.” James’s findings still described bias-motivated harassment and violence, leaving many dissatisfied with the legal versus factual divide.
A First-Of-Its-Kind Enforcement Signal
Officials called the case the first major state action against a pro-Israel organization for alleged bias-motivated violence. Supporters viewed it as a universal civil rights message. Critics warned of selective enforcement and questioned whether anti-Zionist groups would face similar scrutiny. Betar says it remains active elsewhere, leaving the settlement’s real impact still unfolding.
Sources
Attorney General James Stops Violence, Harassment, and Intimidation from New York Extremist Group. Office of the Attorney General State of New York, January 13, 2026
New York AG settles with Jewish group she accused of intimidating pro-Palestinian activists. Associated Press via ABC News, January 13, 2026
Far-right Jewish group Betar to halt activities in NY, state attorney general says. The Times of Israel, January 13, 2026