Aharon (Ari) Rosenfeld, the ultra-Orthodox counter-terrorism officer accused of leaking classified documents to Eli Feldstein, is now identified after the Tel Aviv District Court lifted the gag order on his name. The State Attorney’s Office decided not to appeal the ruling, which followed a Sunday hearing. However, Rosenfeld’s rank remains confidential.

During the hearing, Rosenfeld expressed regret, stating that he had devoted his life to Israel’s security but had made a mistake in his actions. He also questioned the prolonged gag order on the case, initially expecting it to end soon.

Judge Alaa Masarwa, in his decision, acknowledged the state’s concern over national security but ultimately ruled that the public’s right to know outweighed the potential harm to security interests. He cited the constitutional significance of public hearings and the importance of transparency, though he acknowledged the legitimate concerns about the security of those in classified positions.

The ruling comes after detailed arguments from both parties, including military intelligence officials who expressed concerns about the potential risks of publishing Rosenfeld’s name. Despite these concerns, the judge concluded that the benefits of transparency and public interest outweighed the risks to state security in this case.