Submarine Affair Inquiry Summons Top Officials, Including Netanyahu and Former President

Nine months after the publication of its systemic report, Israel's state inquiry commission into the submarine affair has begun summoning witnesses for the next phase of its investigation into personal warnings. The commission, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Asher Grunis, will focus on individual aspects and evidence related to these warnings, with testimonies to be heard in closed sessions starting November 1, 2026.

The list of 22 individuals summoned includes prominent figures such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, former President Reuven Rivlin, and current Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Also called are the Navy Commander, retired generals, and other senior military and civilian officials.

The commission's earlier systemic report criticized the handling of arms sales by allies to third parties as chaotic and lacking direction, posing a risk to national security. It also found that the National Security Council (NSC) failed in its role, acting beyond its mandate as a staff body meant to assist the government. The report highlighted that the cabinet often functioned as a rubber stamp for decisions made by the security establishment.

To address these issues, the commission recommended establishing a permanent committee to advise the political echelon on force buildup, composed of professionals appointed by the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and Finance Minister. It also suggested that the Ministry of Defense should lead force buildup policy, proposing the creation of a joint Defense Ministry-IDF professional body for this purpose.

Furthermore, the report detailed systemic failures within the Navy's procurement and equipping processes, including coordination with commercial entities, manipulative data presentation, and officers engaging with the political echelon against military orders. The commission recommended a review of the Navy's organizational culture and procurement procedures, along with updated regulations for interactions between officers and the political leadership. The report noted that similar systemic deficiencies have been identified by previous public committees, Knesset committees, and state comptroller reports, with recommendations often not fully implemented.