Submarine Affair Commission Replaces Head Ahead of Netanyahu Hearings
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
The state commission investigating Israel's multi-billion euro submarine and warship procurements has appointed a new head, retired judge Zvi Zilbertal, due to the previous leader's health. The change occurs before key hearings begin on November 1, with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu scheduled to testify on December 7. The commission is examining contracts with ThyssenKrupp and potential conflicts of interest related to submarine sales to Egypt.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Retired judge Zvi Zilbertal appointed new head of submarine procurement investigation commission.
- Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to testify before the commission on December 7.
- The commission is investigating multi-billion euro defense contracts with ThyssenKrupp.
- Former commission head Asher Grunis stepped down due to health reasons.
- Key hearings are scheduled to commence on November 1.
- The probe includes purchases of submarines and Saar-6 class warships.
The state commission investigating the circumstances of military procurement of vessels and submarines has a new leader. Former Supreme Court president Asher Grunis has stepped down as head of the commission due to health reasons. The Judicial Department confirmed that the retired judge could not attend meetings. To avoid further delays and ensure the commission's normal operation, Grunis requested to be relieved of his duties.
Current Supreme Court president Itzhak Amit has signed a decree appointing retired judge Zvi Zilbertal as the new head of the commission. Additionally, former president of the Central District Court Ruti Liorch has joined the investigative team. These changes were approved immediately to maintain the schedule of upcoming hearings, according to Ynet.
The commission, which has been operating since 2022, is examining multi-billion euro defense contracts with the German concern ThyssenKrupp. Investigators are scrutinizing the purchase of three submarines for approximately 1.5 billion euros and Saar-6 class warships costing around 430 million euros. The investigation also focuses on potential conflicts of interest, the role of intermediaries, and Israel's consent to Germany's sale of similar submarines to Egypt.
The leadership change comes just before a critical series of hearings set to begin on November 1. During these sessions, the commission will hear testimony from officials who previously received personal warning letters regarding potential harm to state interests. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is scheduled to testify on December 7 in a closed session. Warning notices were also sent to former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, former Navy commander Ram Rotberg, and National Security Council official Avner Simhoni.
The commission has also invited a wide range of current and former security officials for explanations, including Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, former President Reuven Rivlin, and retired generals Amos Gilad, Yaakov Amidror, Avriel Bar-Yosef, and Professor Yaakov Nagel. These invitations are for informational purposes and are not directly related to suspicions against them.
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