Submarines Scandal
Submarines Scandal: According to Israeli television news channels on Wednesday police examination of what known as “Case 3000,” to be reclassified by the police as a criminal investigation.
Channel 2 journalist Amnon Abramovich reported that Gen. Ram Rothberg, former Navy head, was questioned in the case.
To be questioned by the police on the matter are: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s personal lawyer and family relative, David Shimron, Shimron’s client Miki Ganor and former commander of the Israeli Navy between 2007 – 2011, Vice Admiral Eliezer “Chiney” Marom. At present PM Netanyahu is not expected to be questioned.
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According to Ynet News this comes in direct opposition to reports that former Defense minister Moshe Ya’alon had told police of Netanyahu’s direct involvement in the purchasing of the submarines and the tender bias in favor of German conglomerate. Ya’alon reportedly provided investigators with detailed information on the talks Netanyahu had with German government officials both for the purchase of three new submarines and for the purchase of anti-submarine warships for the Israeli Navy—without consulting the defense establishment.
Israel’s submarine deal with Germany includes two main parts: The acquisition of three submarines and the signing of a contract for long-term maintenance work with the German shipyard that is represented by Israeli businessman Miki Ganor. It is the latter contract that would be more profitable to Ganor, according to defense officials.
The IDF, for its part, had also issued a response to allegations that Netanyahu insiders enjoyed personal gais from the IDF deal to acquire new submarines, by stating that the purpose of the new subs as replacements for older vessels, and as an upgrade to the Israeli arsenal.
By Tova Tzimuki & Telem Yahav,
