The Supreme Court allowed publication of the name of Border Police officer Chananel Sbag, who is accused of negligently shooting and killing soldier Yosef Ravuch on the eve of Sukkot 2025. Sbag also faces charges of recklessness, negligence with a weapon, and illegal weapon possession, according to Yediot news.
The Supreme Court on Sunday lifted a gag order that had prevented publication of the name of Border Police officer Chananel Sbag, who is accused of negligently shooting and killing soldier Yosef Ravuch on the eve of Sukkot 2025. The court's decision, reported at 15:15 Jerusalem time, allowed Israeli media to identify Sbag for the first time since the incident.
Prior to the ruling, the case was reported under a blanket gag order, with news outlets referring to the suspect only as a Border Police officer. The initial report from ynet (published at 15:15 Jerusalem) described the accusation without naming the officer. Shortly after the court's decision, N12 and other outlets published Sbag's name, along with the full indictment: negligent homicide, reckless and negligent use of a weapon, and illegal possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, Sbag fired his weapon at close range, killing Ravuch at the entrance to his home on the eve of Sukkot 2025. The case has drawn attention due to the circumstances of the shooting and the relationship between the two servicemen, as The Zioneer reported.
The specific circumstances that led to the shooting and the nature of the relationship between Sbag and Ravuch remain under investigation. The court's decision to lift the gag order does not address the merits of the case.
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