An Israeli commission investigating potential wrongdoing in government purchases of submarines and missile boats from Germany has issued a serious warning to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The panel notified Netanyahu that its findings suggest he may have abused his position as prime minister between 2009 and 2016 to approve these purchases without following proper procedures. The commission, in its written decision made public on Monday, stated that Netanyahu’s actions could have endangered Israel’s security and damaged its international relations and economic interests.
In response, Netanyahu defended his actions, asserting that the submarines are essential to Israel’s security, particularly in facing threats from Iran. His office issued a statement claiming that history will vindicate his decisions, highlighting their importance for safeguarding Israel’s existence.
The commission, established by the previous government in 2022, has announced that it will soon release unclassified portions of the evidence collected during its investigation into the multi-million dollar deal. This development comes as Netanyahu faces scrutiny over his handling of the recent Hamas attack on Israel, which has significantly impacted his public image. The Hamas attack on October 7 resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis, including the taking of hundreds of hostages, marking the most devastating attack on Jews since the Holocaust. The subsequent Israeli military response has led to the deaths of more than 37,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Gaza health authorities.
This investigation into the submarine purchases adds another layer of complexity to Netanyahu’s already challenging political landscape. The potential findings of the commission could have significant implications for his future leadership and the ongoing political turmoil in Israel.
