A deal signed between Israel and Germany, in which a German shipyard will build three advanced submarines for Israel’s Navy, has brought about fierce allegations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pertaining to possible corruption. Netanyahu apparently negotiated the submarine deal behind the backs of then-Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot and signed the agreement with Germany, despite fierce criticism by Israel’s defense experts. According to a report published last week, an Israeli representative of the German shipyard which is supposed to build the Israeli submarines together with the German government is an Israeli businessman by the name of Micky Ganor, whose lawyer, David Shimron, is a confidant and personal attorney of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The apparent, and according to the Prime Minister’s office “coincidental” link of Netanyahu to the lawyer representing the deal has brought about harsh criticism by the Prime Minister’s opponents, who pointed to the apparent eagerness of Benjamin Netanyahu to ink the submarine-deal with the Germans against the advice of defense experts. Prime Minister Netanyahu responded to the allegations, during his weekly cabinet meeting, stressing that the acquisition of the submarines will increase Israel’s security and strength and will ensure the existence of the Jewish state.
“I dedicate most of my time to ensure the safety of the state of Israel. My guideline is clear: that Israel will be able to defend itself by its own means against any enemy in any area. The security of Israel requires the acquisition of submarines and renewing the submarine fleet. These are strategic weapon systems which ensure the future and, I’m telling you, the very existence of the state of Israel in the decades to come. Increasing Israel’s security and strength is the only consideration guiding me in the acquisition of these submarines, it is the only consideration that ever guides me in any decision and nothing else,” said Netanyahu.