Submarine affair commission sets November hearings for Netanyahu, senior officials

The state commission probing the submarine and naval vessel affair is set to commence closed-door hearings on personal responsibility in November, moving the inquiry closer to its final report. Chaired by retired Supreme Court president Asher Grunis, the commission has scheduled 18 hearing days between November 1 and December 31.

These hearings are for five senior officials who received warning notices in June 2024: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, former National Security Council chief Yossi Cohen, former Navy commander V.-Adm. Ram Rothberg, and former NSC official Avner Simchoni. The warning notices allow these individuals to contest evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue against any personal findings before the commission concludes its work.

Thursday's announcement followed a decision granting the five officials an additional 60 days, until September 15, to submit the names of witnesses they wish to question and the scope of their inquiries. Their requests for extensions ranged from two to four months.

However, the commission rejected the explanation provided by Netanyahu's attorney for a delay. The lawyer cited difficulties in maintaining contact with the prime minister due to his ongoing criminal trial cross-examination. The commission countered that this argument was not acceptable, noting that Netanyahu was not listed as a prosecution witness in the parallel criminal case, allowing his lawyers ample time to review commission materials. The panel also pointed out that only one of Netanyahu's two assigned attorneys completed the necessary security clearance, significantly later than other legal teams.