Pro-Israel Group Betar US to Cease Operations in New York

New York Attorney General Signs Agreement

New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced that her office has reached an agreement with the pro-Israel group Betar US regarding the harassment of pro-Palestinian activists. The agreement stipulates that the far-right group will gradually cease its operations within the state.

James stated that an investigation uncovered widespread "persecution" of Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, and Jewish activists in New York. "New York will not tolerate organizations that use fear, violence, and intimidation to silence free expression or target individuals based on their identity," emphasized James.

Known for its aggression, Betar US exemplifies a group that employs surveillance and harassment to silence critics of Israel. Following the announcement of the agreement, the group was accused of inciting violence, controversially claiming, "we demand blood in Gaza!".

According to James's office statement, the group intends to dissolve its nonprofit corporation and halt the harassment of individuals exercising their constitutional rights. Should they violate this agreement, Betar will face a suspended penalty of $50,000.

The group's reaction to the statements made by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was also controversial, labeling him as "Jihad Mamdani" and associating him with sites that depict him as "an enemy of the West and of Zionism".

Raed Jarrar, advocacy director of the group DAWN, emphasized that "pro-Israel programs have become so evident in their actions that governments can no longer turn a blind eye". Jarrar added that further similar actions are necessary from federal authorities.

Betar has previously been accused of delivering lists of pro-Palestinian foreign students to the Trump administration for possible deportations, utilizing advanced technology to monitor campus activism. This practice resulted in the arrest and deportation of many students involved in pro-Palestinian activism.

Additionally, Yousef Munayyer from the Arab Center Washington DC compared the group to previous extremist organizations, noting that Betar is distinguished by its use of extreme language and aggressive actions. Its inspiration stems from extremist Zionists, including Ze'ev Jabotinsky, who promoted a militant and violent version of Zionism.