In a dramatic turn of events that has captured the attention of the Israeli public, the identity of the mysterious "Reservist A" has finally been revealed: Ari Rosenfeld, a reserve Intelligence Corps officer who stands accused alongside Prime Minister Netanyahu's spokesperson Eli Feldstein in the classified documents case that has rocked the nation's security establishment.
"I made a mistake," Rosenfeld admitted candidly after the Tel Aviv District Court lifted the gag order on his identity, following the prosecution's decision not to appeal.
His rank and specific role within Military Intelligence remain classified, with Judge Alaa Masarwa explicitly prohibiting any publication of "the areas of activity and theaters in which he worked or specialized during his military service."
BEHIND THE CURTAIN
In an emotional courtroom scene, Rosenfeld, whose identity had been shrouded in secrecy until now, made a passionate plea: "I don't understand why I'm under arrest. They're tarnishing my name, and I cannot defend my good reputation." His voice breaking, he spoke of his lifelong service to the state: "All my life I acted for the good of the country, in military service for the country's security. I served the country in several organizations. I always gave of myself."
The human toll of the case became evident as Rosenfeld spoke of his young son and family: "I worry about them, and they worry about me. I think about them all the time, and I don't understand how I'm still under arrest."
A GROWING MOVEMENT
What began as a classified security case has evolved into a national movement for clemency. In an unprecedented show of support, 62 ministers and Knesset members have signed a petition calling for Rosenfeld's pardon. Even Israel's Chief Rabbis, Rabbi David Yosef and Rabbi Kalman Bar, have joined the chorus, urging President Herzog to "listen to the sentiments of the people."
Sources close to Prime Minister Netanyahu reveal that he privately supports a pardon but remains constrained by conflict of interest considerations from taking any official stance.
BEHIND BARS
Currently held in Ayalon Prison after a recent transfer from Eshel Prison, Rosenfeld's mental state has reportedly deteriorated during his two months in custody. The Supreme Court's decision to maintain his detention came as a blow to his family and supporters, especially after a lower court had initially ordered his release to house arrest.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The case may soon see more details emerge. Judge Masarwa has given the prosecution a seven-day deadline to identify which elements of the case can be made public, following the model used in the high-profile Submarine Case. This could potentially shed light on the mysterious "foreign entity" mentioned in Section 7 of the indictment.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
This case raises crucial questions about the balance between national security and transparency in Israel's democracy. With the prosecution preparing to submit its review of classified materials and Rosenfeld's pardon request under consideration by President Herzog, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining both the fate of the accused and the public's right to know.
For now, Rosenfeld remains behind bars, his case a testament to the complex interplay between security, justice, and mercy in Israel's legal system. As one security source who spoke on condition of anonymity noted, "This case touches the very nerve endings of our democracy."
Ynet contributed to this article.
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