Israeli commission sets hearings over naval vessel purchases with alleged "systemic failings"

An Israeli state commission, led by former Supreme Court President Asher Grunis, will conduct closed-door hearings in November and December to investigate alleged "systemic failings" in the government's naval vessel purchases between 2009 and 2021. The commission previously stated that the acquisition process "endangered state security" due to a lack of clear policies and ignored security requirements. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and four other senior officials, including former Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and former Mossad Director Yossi Cohen, received warnings and can challenge findings and question witnesses during the 18 days of hearings. The probe also scrutinizes Netanyahu's alleged approval of German naval vessel sales to Egypt, bypassing senior officials in a process described as "a sensitive strategic issue" handled chaotically.