The Be’er Sheva District Court ruled that Dromi must be confined to the home of a friend, far from his desert homestead, until the end of proceedings against him. He was required to deposit 15,000 shekels as bond.
Dromi was imprisoned since the incident, which took place on January 13 at his ranch. Click here to read Arutz-7’s exclusive photo feature about the Dromi ranch.
Tens of thousands of Israelis have signed a petition demanding Dromi’s release, and a large protest rally on his behalf is set to take place Monday at 4 PM opposite the Supreme Court. Organizers say that despite Dromi’s release to house arrest, the protest will take place as planned.
“He should not be in jail at all because he is the victim, not the offender,” a statement read. "The state has to take full responsibility for its citizens. The gangs running around free in Israel must be eliminated by use of force… Shai Dromi is the victim of a reality we all live in."
Dromi, who has been robbed dozens of times, shot two thieves who broke into his ranch in order to steal his flock of sheep. One of the thieves died and the 47-year-old rancher was charged with manslaughter, deliberate injury and possession of an unlicensed weapon. Dromi had an old shotgun that his deceased father had brought with him when he immigrated from America and left to him when he passed away.
Shmuel Rifman, Head of the Negev Regional Council, said Sunday he was pleased with the District Court's decision to free Dromi from jail. He added that the council would do all it could to assist the farmer.