Blue and White leader Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced Sunday that appointment of a commission of inquiry into the government's controversial procumbent of German submarines several years ago, a step that further strained his already poor relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The commission will have four months to review the matter, known as "Case 3,000," and submit its findings, which will be made public "in the name of transparency," Gantz's office said.
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The panel will be headed by former Tel Aviv District Court Judge Amnon Straschnov, a former IDF chief military counsel, and will include retired Israel Navy Commander Avraham Ben-Shoshan and former Defense Ministry Acquisitions Director Yael Grill.
Case 3,000 focuses on the $2 billion purchase of the submarines and warships made by German shipyard Thyssenkrupp. Seven people, including confidants of Netanyahu, a retired high-ranking official with the National Security Council, and a former INF chief, have been named as suspects.
Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit's review of the matter has ruled that Netanyahu, who is on trial for his involvement in three other corruption scandals, is not a preson of interest in the case.
Gantz used his authority as defense minister to form the committee under military law. This would allow the panel to subpoena any relevant individual to testify, including the prime minister and his closest associates. Under the law, failing to appear could result in possible imprisonment.
Gantz has appraised Mendelblit of his decision to forme a commission of inquiry. The latter said he would direct the commission on the matter by next week.
Gantz had said in the past that he saw no reason to investigate the issue further after Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit ruled Netanyahu was not a person of interest in the case. Several other suspects have been indicted in what has come to be known as Case 3,000.
Gantz and Netanyahu formed a power-sharing deal in May after battling to a deadlock in three consecutive elections. But their government, ostensibly aimed at confronting the coronavirus crisis, has been plagued by infighting and paralysis.
If the rivals cannot reach a budget deal by Dec. 23, the country could be forced into another election next spring, right around the time the investigative committee is set to release its findings.
Likud MKs blasted the decision to investigate the case, accusing Gantz of acting out of political considerations, saying he is "scouring for votes" at a time when his Blue and White party is plunging in opinion polls.
"Gantz's decision form a commission of inquiry is an act of defiance against the Likud and its leader," Coalition Leader MK Miki Zohar said, adding that Ganz was sparing no effort to malign Netanyahu at the cost of destabilizing the coalition.
"It is regrettable that, instead of helping the prime minister, Gantz is busy courting the votes of those who hate Netanyahu," Zohar said.
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