Israel’s attorney-general ordered the police to open an investigation into a government contract with Germany for three submarines and other naval craft, after the deal has come under public scrutiny since it emerged that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s personal lawyer also represents the local agent of the German conglomerate ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems set to build the vessels. A statement released by the Israeli Justice Ministry said that the attorney general ordered the investigation following new information that had been received from the police and in view of “other developments in the matter.” Both Netanyahu and his attorney David Shimron have denied any impropriety and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems said it has no contractual connection with the lawyer. During this week’s cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu denied any foreign consideration involved in the deal.
“Israel’s security requires the purchase of submarines and the renewal of the submarine fleet. These are strategic weapon systems that assure the future, and I tell you, the mere existence, of the state of Israel for the next decades. Strengthening Israel’s security power is the only consideration that led me in purchasing the submarines and is the only consideration that always leads me. This and no other,” said Netanyahu. The three submarines, costing about 1.5 billion dollars, are due to replace ageing vessels and will be delivered in about 10 years.