Judge Asher Grunis Resigns from Submarine Affair Investigation Committee Due to Health

Former Supreme Court President Asher Grunis has resigned from his position as head of the state commission of inquiry into the submarine affair, citing medical reasons. Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit announced on Sunday that he appointed retired Judge Zvi Zilberthal to replace Grunis. Grunis informed Amit on Friday that he could not participate in the committee's deliberations for the coming months due to health issues. He explained that delaying the proceedings would harm the committee's work, prompting his request to step down.

Following Grunis's request, Amit appointed Zilberthal, who was already a member of the committee, as its new chairman. Senior Judge Ruth Lorel, former president of the Central District Court, was appointed as a new member of the committee. The committee was established in 2022 to examine decision-making processes in the procurement of submarines and naval vessels between 2009 and 2016, including the conduct of political and security officials.

The committee had previously sent warning letters to five individuals: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, former Navy commander Ram Rotberg, former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, and former National Security Council official Avner Shimoni. It is important to distinguish the committee's work from the ongoing criminal proceedings in the submarine affair, known as Case 3000. While the criminal case deals with charges against those involved in the procurement deals, the inquiry committee focuses on decision-making processes and the conduct of political and security leadership. Netanyahu, though not charged or suspected in the criminal case, received a warning letter from the committee.

Supreme Court President Amit expressed deep appreciation for Grunis's dedicated work and contribution to leading the committee since its inception, wishing him good health. He also thanked Zilberthal and Lorel for accepting their new roles and expressed confidence in the committee's continued professional, independent, and thorough work. The committee's new composition includes Zilberthal and Lorel, alongside Professor Karnit Flug, Gideon Frank, and Brigadier General (res.) Professor Yaakov Burtman, maintaining the original five-member structure.