Israeli commission warns 5 officials in submarine inquiry, PM included

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
24 Jun 2024 20:18
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The Israeli Commission of Inquiry into the $2 billion submarine purchase from ThyssenKrupp issues warning letters to several high-profile figures, including Netanyahu, amid suspicions of bribery and corruption.

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An Israeli occupation Navy submarine is seen near "Israel's" offshore Leviathan gas field in the Mediterranean Sea, Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021. (AP)

The Israeli Commission of Inquiry into the so-called submarine affair, chaired by the Israeli occupation's Supreme Court President Emeritus Asher Grunis, sent five warning letters on Monday, including one to Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The commission has been investigating the $2 billion submarine purchase from German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp, amid suspicions of bribery and corruption.

Established in 2022, the committee is examining the professional workflows and decision-making processes of political leaders from 2009 to 2016, but its mandate does not cover the conduct of defendants in criminal proceedings.

In a press statement, the commission noted that "the government has, in effect, made a distinction between the role of the state commission of inquiry and the criminal aspects of the procurement of vessels," adding that "in the issues being investigated, there was a profound disruption in work processes and decision-making mechanisms on a range of sensitive issues. This, while posing a risk to national security and damaging foreign relations and the economic interests of the State of Israel".

Warning letters were issued to Netanyahu, former Security Minister Moshe Ya'alon, former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, former Navy Commander Ram Rothberg, and former "National" Security Council employee Avner Simhoni, all of whom may face consequences from the investigation. The recipients were instructed to notify the committee within 30 days if they plan to appoint a lawyer to represent them before the committee.

In response, the occupation's Prime Minister proclaimed that the submarines are a crucial element of "Israel’s" security, essential for protecting the country against Iran's threats.

Specifically, Netanyahu stated that "the submarines are a central pillar of Israel’s national security and in ensuring its existence against Iran, which is trying to destroy us," adding that "not only does the acquisition of the submarines not harm the security of the state – it ensures its existence. History will prove that Prime Minister Netanyahu was right on this issue as well and made the right decisions for the security of Israel."

Israeli media: Netanyahu has long become a burden on 'Israel'

Earlier, in May, Israeli media published a report explaining that Netanyahu has "long become a burden."

"Israel" does not expect any victory in Rafah because the head of the occupation government, Benjamin Netanyahu, is "paralyzed with terror" and unable to make a single important decision, Israeli media reported.

In an article published by Maariv, Israeli political writer Ben Caspit pointed out that "Netanyahu has long become a burden on Israel," stressing that "he must vacate his position."

Caspit pointed out that "this is what the British did to Neville Chamberlain (former British Prime Minister) in the middle of World War II," adding that "they did so, because there was no choice. They didn't do it because they liked Churchill. They did it because Chamberlain failed, dragged Britain from one disgrace to another, and built a bankrupt concept."

According to Caspit, "The only thing that could drive Netanyahu crazy and enter Rafah in full force now is the arrest warrants that the International Criminal Court in The Hague is threatening to issue against him."