Full Breakdown
Israel’s Submarine Affair Commission Gets New Head Ahead of November Hearings
By Drooid · · How we work
Leadership Change and Commission Mandate
The Courts Administration announced that retired Supreme Court justice Asher Grunis will step down as chair of the Submarine Affair commission because of upcoming medical limitations. Supreme Court President Isaac Amit appointed fellow retired justice Zvi Zylbertal—already a member of the five-person panel—to lead the inquiry, and former Central District Court President Ruth Lorch was added as a commission member. The commission was created by a government decision on January 23 2022 to examine how political and professional officials handled submarine and naval-vessel purchases between 2009 and 2016, as well as related privatization plans and Israel’s consent to Germany selling submarines to a third country. In January, the commission released a report identifying systemic failures and recommending reforms.
Panel Composition and Expert Members
The investigative panel includes economist Prof. Karnit Flug, former governor of the Bank of Israel; Gideon Frank, former director-general of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission; and Prof. Jacob Bortman, a mechanical-engineering professor at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. These experts are tasked with evaluating evidence and assisting the commission’s legal staff.
Upcoming Hearings and Witness List
The commission is scheduled to begin closed-door hearings on personal responsibility on November 1. Testimony is expected from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, IDF chief of staff Lt-Gen. Eyal Zamir, former president Reuven Rivlin, former defense minister Moshe “Bogi” Ya’alon, former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, Navy commander V-Adm. Eyal Harel, and former navy commanders Eli Sharvit and Ram Rothberg, among others.
Warnings Issued and Legal Process
In June 2024, the commission issued formal warnings to Netanyahu, Ya’alon, Cohen, Rothberg and former National Security Council official Avner Simhoni, indicating that its eventual findings could have adverse personal consequences. Those warned are permitted to review the evidence and contest preliminary conclusions before any determination of personal responsibility is made. The commission has stressed that its conclusions may be revised after the hearing process.
Official Statements & Responses
Supreme Court President Amit publicly thanked Grunis for his “dedicated and professional work” since the commission’s inception, noting his contribution to uncovering decision-making flaws. The leadership transition is presented as a step to maintain the commission’s momentum while ensuring the upcoming hearings proceed without delay.