Court Drops Indictment Against Tzav 9 Chair Over Gaza Aid Protest

Police and prosecutors informed the Magistrate's Court in Kiryat Gat on Monday that they were withdrawing the indictment filed against Tzav 9 chairwoman Reut Ben Haim over her involvement in blocking aid trucks headed for the Gaza Strip. Ben Haim had been charged with "causing a disturbance in a public place without reasonable cause while disturbing the peace." Following the prosecution's request, Judge Noga Shmueli Meir ordered the charge dismissed.

The indictment had been filed last week. In an interview with Makor Rishon following the filing, Ben Haim said, "Anyone can support our goals and believe that Hamas should not be strengthened, but in the end, the personal cost can be heavy. I understand this could even end in prison if I am convicted. I sincerely hope that doesn't happen—not only for my own sake, but because of what it would mean. If I, as a law-abiding citizen, have no way to exercise my legal right to protest and demonstrate, that is deeply troubling."

As previously reported, Ben Haim has also been placed under financial sanctions by the European Union.

After the indictment was withdrawn, Ben Haim welcomed the decision, saying, "Public pressure, determination, and courage prevailed. I want to thank the thousands of supporters from every part of Israeli society. Thanks to them, this absurd indictment was withdrawn."

She added, "We will continue acting with the renewed strength you have given us against the transfer of aid to Hamas, especially as the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip begins out of the public eye while putting communities near the Gaza border at risk. We will not stop until we succeed in this struggle as well, for the people of Israel and for the State of Israel."