New York, NY – January 19, 2026 – A far-right, pro-Israel group, Betar US, has reached a settlement with New York Attorney General Letitia James following an investigation revealing a pattern of bias-motivated harassment, threats, and violence directed towards Muslim, Arab, palestinian, and even Jewish New Yorkers. The agreement, announced Tuesday, mandates that Betar cease activities instigating violence, threatening protesters, and harassing individuals exercising their civil rights – backed by a potential $50,000 penalty should the organization violate the terms. Simultaneously, Betar has signaled itS intention to dissolve its New York-based not-for-profit corporation and discontinue operations within the state.
Investigation Uncovers Pattern of Targeted Harassment and violence
The investigation, conducted by the New York attorney General’s office (OAG), painted a troubling picture of Betar’s activities. According to a news release, the OAG determined that Betar systematically targeted individuals based on their religion and national origin. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has previously labeled the group an “extremist group,” a designation that now appears warranted given the OAG’s findings.
Attorney General James issued a strong statement, asserting “New York will not tolerate organizations that use fear, violence, and intimidation to silence free expression or target people as of who they are. My office’s investigation uncovered an alarming and illegal pattern of bias-motivated harassment and violence designed to terrorize communities and shut down lawful protest. This behavior is unacceptable, and it is not who we are as new Yorkers.”
Deportation List and targeting of Activists
the investigation revealed a disturbing willingness to interfere with democratic processes and target individuals for their political beliefs. In March 2025, The guardian reported that Betar claimed to have submitted a list of “thousands of names” to the Trump governance. This list reportedly included students and faculty members believed to be participating in campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, with the intention of prompting their deportation. The tactic raises serious concerns about the group’s disregard for due process and academic freedom.
Further exacerbating these concerns, Betar US drew attention in March 2025 by taking credit for the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and permanent US resident who was detained by ICE for months. Reports suggest Betar actively collaborated with authorities to facilitate his detention,highlighting a purposeful effort to silence Palestinian voices.
Escalation to Threats and Physical Intimidation
The OAG’s investigation detailed how Betar’s activities escalated beyond mere documentation and reporting to overt threats and physical intimidation. investigators found evidence of the group promoting and encouraging violence, even urging members to bring weapons – including knives, pepper spray, and attack dogs – to protests. In one particularly egregious incident, a member of Betar’s national leadership physically assaulted a woman wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional Arab headdress, and the group subsequently celebrated the attack online, sharing video footage on social media.
The actions extended to unsettling tactics reminiscent of covert operations. Individuals associated with Betar reportedly approached people “perceived to be Muslim or supportive of Palestinian causes” and attempted to force “beepers” onto them, a chilling allusion to Israel’s 2024 operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which resulted in numerous casualties. The attempt to invoke the trauma of this operation underscores the deliberate intent to instill fear within targeted communities.
Online Radicalization and propagation of Hate
Beyond physical actions, Betar’s online presence was found to be rife with hateful and violent rhetoric. The investigation uncovered content celebrating violence against Palestinians, including social media posts mocking civilian deaths and openly calling for further bloodshed. This online activity served to radicalize members and create a antagonistic surroundings for targeted groups.
Betar’s Response and Future Outlook
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Betar spokesperson Daniel Levy issued a statement claiming the organization “categorically denies all allegations of wrongdoing.” However, the group also announced on social media that it would be withdrawing from operations in New York and advising other “Zionist organizations” to do the same.
Lack of Financial Transparency
Adding to the concerns, the Attorney General’s office noted that Betar never registered with the Charities Bureau despite actively soliciting donations in New York through its website and social media channels. This lack of financial transparency raises questions about the organization’s funding sources and usage of donated funds.
Broader Implications and Local Reactions
The settlement has been met with relief and gratitude from community leaders. New york City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating Betar had “sowed a campaign of hatred” and that “there is no place for their bigotry in our politics.”
This case underscores the growing concern over the rise of extremist groups and the importance of holding them accountable for their actions. The investigation serves as a warning to others who may seek to incite violence or harass individuals based on their religion, national origin, or political beliefs. The case also stresses the importance of scrutiny towards so-called charities.
Key takeaways
- Betar US engaged in a pattern of bias-motivated harassment, threats, and violence targeting multiple communities in New York.
- The organization attempted to leverage its influence to target activists and potentially facilitate deportations.
- Betar’s online presence was used to spread hateful rhetoric and incite violence.
- The settlement requires Betar to cease its harmful activities and signals its planned dissolution in New York.
- The case highlights the vital role of law enforcement and community leaders in combating extremism and protecting civil rights.
