Submarine Affair: State Commission to Begin Witness Hearings, Warns Five Individuals

Israel's state commission investigating the submarine affair announced that witness hearings will commence on November 1, 2026. The commission has already issued personal warning letters to five individuals implicated in the case. Among those warned is former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had previously been cautioned in the commission's interim report in 2024. The interim report stated that Netanyahu's conduct concerning the matters under investigation led to "deep and systematic disruption" in operational processes and force buildup, potentially endangering national security and harming Israel's foreign relations and economic interests.

The commission's interim report, submitted to the government in February 2026, focused on systemic issues, highlighting severe deficiencies in security decision-making processes and offering recommendations for correction. The upcoming witness hearing phase will concentrate on the personal aspects of the affair and the evidence related to the warnings issued. The commission's work is part of a broader investigation into the procurement of submarines and naval vessels.