Israeli AG says no crime suspected in PM's submarine deal
Justice ministry will nevertheless consider whether there was a conflict of interest in the purchase
Israel's attorney general is examining a possible conflict of interest on the part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a deal to purchase three German submarines, but there is currently no suspicion of criminal activity, Israeli media outlets reported on Sunday.
Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit and State Prosecutor Shai Nitzan concluded that law enforcement did not need to be involved in the probe following a Sunday meeting, according to the reports.
The ongoing probe is to continue, however, as investigators consider possible conflicts of interest.
Last week reports emerged that an Israeli attorney known for close ties to Netanyahu was appointed to the director's board of a subsidiary firm linked to the ThyssenKrupp, the German submarine producing conglomerate making deals with Israel to the tune of billions of dollars.
David Shimron, who is seen as one of the right-wing premier's confidants, provides legal representation for Miki Ganor, a middle man for ThyssenKrupp in Israel, according toHaaretz. Additionally, Shimron is a board member in Ganor's M. Ganor Yam company, which was advising ThyssenKrupp Marine System, Haaretz claimed.
Sunday saw the publication of the results of a polygraph test Shimron had taken, which said he was telling the truth when he denied discussing the submarine deal or Ganor with Netanyahu at all.
Netanyahu referred to the case at the beginning of the weekly Cabinet meeting on Sunday.
"As Prime Minister of Israel, I dedicate the best of my time to ensuring the security of Israel," he said. "The principle that guides me is clear – Israel will be able to defend itself by itself against any enemy, in any field. The security of Israel requires the acquisition of submarines and the renewal of the submarine fleet. These are strategic weapons systems that ensure the future, and I tell you, the very existence of the State of Israel for decades to come.
"Increasing the security and strength of the State of Israel is the only consideration that guided me in acquiring the submarines," the prime minister assured his ministers. "This has been the only consideration that has ever guided me and there is nothing without it."
Read more: Netanyahu on German submarine controversy: We need them for Israel's security