Systemic Failures in Israel's Defense Procurement: The Submarine Affair

A state investigation committee in Israel has revealed significant systemic failures in the defense procurement processes related to the acquisition of naval vessels, particularly during the tenure of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The inquiry, led by retired Supreme Court President Asher Grunis, focused on the so-called Submarine Affair, which involves the purchase of Dolphin-class submarines from the German shipbuilder Thyssenkrupp between 2009 and 2017. The findings, published on Sunday, highlight critical lapses in oversight and decision-making that jeopardized national security.

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The committee's report identified a lack of clear security policies and chaotic handling of sensitive weapons deals. It criticized political leaders for making ad hoc decisions without considering broader strategic needs, stating that “in a democratic state, responsibility for the security of the state and the management of security risks lies with elected officials.” The report emphasized that the Israeli government failed to establish a structured process for defense acquisitions, leading to decisions that endangered state security.

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The investigation also revealed that the Israeli Navy deviated from accepted conduct norms, manipulating data and coordinating positions with commercial entities. The committee recommended that the military's chief of staff investigate the navy's organizational culture and update regulations governing interactions with political leaders.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Mossad chief warned in Submarine Affair probe

The committee's findings have broader implications for Israel's national security, particularly in light of recent events, including the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The report underscored the necessity of establishing a binding process for force-building that ranks threats and develops corresponding multi-year plans. It called for a permanent professional committee to advise political leaders on defense matters.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Mossad chief warned in Submarine Affair probe

In response to the findings, Netanyahu and other officials, including former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen and former Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, received warning letters regarding their potential culpability. The committee noted that Netanyahu allegedly authorized the sale of submarines to Egypt without informing the defense establishment, a decision that raised serious security concerns. Opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, criticized the handling of sensitive security issues, calling for a state commission of inquiry into the failures leading to the October 7 attack.

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Critics of the government, including Lapid and Gantz, have pointed to the report as evidence of "destructive negligence" in managing national security. They argue that the systemic failures outlined in the report reflect a broader pattern of mismanagement and lack of accountability within the defense establishment.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Mossad chief warned in Submarine Affair probe

While the committee's findings are clear in their criticism of the procurement processes, they have not yet assigned personal responsibility for the failures. The formulation of individual accountability will occur after the High Court of Justice adjudicates petitions filed by those warned by the committee, including Netanyahu. This leaves open questions regarding the extent of personal culpability among key figures involved in the submarine deals.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Mossad chief warned in Submarine Affair probe

• “in a democratic state, responsibility for the security of the state and the management of security risks lies with elected officials, the political echelon,” — Asher Grunis, Head of the Investigation Committee

Benjamin Netanyahu, Mossad chief warned in Submarine Affair probe

• “prove once again: The most sensitive security issues of the State of Israel were managed with destructive negligence and amateurishness.” — Yair Lapid, Opposition Leader

Submarine affair probe finds ‘systemic failings’ endangered state security

• “the handling of the sale of weapons systems by allies to third parties — a sensitive strategic issue — was conducted in chaos and without clear direction, in a manner that endangered state security.” — State Commission Report

Submarine affair probe finds ‘systemic failings’ endangered state security

The investigation into the Submarine Affair highlights critical failures in Israel's defense procurement processes, raising urgent questions about accountability and the future of national security strategy.

Submarine affair probe finds ‘systemic failings’ endangered state security