Netanyahu Accused of Endangering Mossad Agents in Submarine Deal Controversy

A recently published book in Israel accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of endangering Mossad agents by sending them to Germany to prevent the supply of four submarines to Egypt. The author alleges Netanyahu secretly approved the submarine deal with Germany, despite Israeli security agencies' opposition, and misled German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Netanyahu reportedly concealed his approval of the submarine deal from Israeli security forces, including the Mossad, until a formal investigation committee was formed. The decision to establish this committee was made by then-Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in September 2021, following a meeting with former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo. A security source present stated Bennett appeared surprised and distressed, deciding to drop his opposition to the investigation due to "serious harm to state security."

The "Movement for Quality of Government in Israel," represented by attorney Eliad Shraga, had previously petitioned the Supreme Court regarding the submarine sale. This led to a criminal investigation and indictments against officials in various Israeli ministries and the Prime Minister's office. The Supreme Court, in July 2021, acknowledged unresolved questions but deferred the decision on an investigation committee to the government.

Shraga claims Pardo informed Bennett that Netanyahu had secretly approved the construction of submarines for Thyssenkrupp, the same company that built Israel's submarines. Netanyahu allegedly gave this approval twice, each time for two submarines to Egypt, without informing the security apparatus. Shraga further stated that Mossad agents were dispatched to counter a "mysterious enemy" in Merkel's office, unaware that Netanyahu himself was the source of the approval they were meant to oppose.

An Israeli official familiar with the case noted that supplying submarines to Egypt, which possesses the region's largest fleet, was considered a threat to Israel's security, with all security leaders opposing the deal. They believed German officials proceeded despite Israel's firm opposition. A formal investigation committee's report in June 2024 warned five Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, and former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, for their roles. Pardo's testimony was a key factor in the committee's severe warning to Netanyahu, stating he "endangered state security and harmed foreign relations and economic interests."

The investigation committee scheduled hearings for November and December, but Netanyahu reportedly did not submit a list of witnesses, suggesting he might be ignoring the committee. The article also mentions that while the submarines built for Egypt were less advanced than Israel's, they were still difficult to detect. Germany had an interest in the sale to support its shipyard and secure a strategic partnership with Egypt. In 2009, Germany proposed a deal where it would partially fund a sixth submarine for Israel in exchange for Israel dropping its opposition to the Egyptian submarine sales. Netanyahu reportedly gave his approval to Merkel before the deal with Israel was finalized.