As the investigation into alleged bribery and other illegal activities connected to the Israel Navy purchase of German-build submarines moves forward, Energy Minister (Likud) Dr. Yuval Steinitz joins the list of suspects being questioned by police detectives. Rami Tayeb, a former advisor to Steinitz, was arrested by police in connection to the case, as was former Minister Eliezer Zandberg.

Steinitz’s connection stems from his appointment of businessman Miki Ganor as representative of the German submarine company ThyssenKrupp. Ganor has already signed on to become the state witness. Responding to the news, Steinitz explained ‘I am one of the honest ones”, citing how he has never gone after money or greed, and how he has never been connected to or involved in corruption. He insists he was unaware of any wrongdoing by Rami Tayeb or others.

Regarding former Minister Zandberg, police suspect he was the go-between, arranging bribes for Ganor while earning 100,000 shekels for his efforts. Channel 2 reports Zandberg has already admitted to investigators that he received 100,000 shekels from Ganor, insisting he was acting as an advisor and this was in no way bribery money. He explained he wanted to do business with Ganor and he did not take bribery funds. He was arraigned and his remand was extended for three days by the court on Monday, 13 Elul.

Investigators are working to determine if bribes were issued to secure the submarine deal for ThyssenKrupp as originally, the submarines were going to be built by a South Korea. That deal not occur and it shifted to the German company.

Israel Tax Authority officials are working the case in addition to police. In addition, a gag order was lifted on Tuesday, 14 Elul, publishing another senior official who is being questioned as a suspect retired navy brigadier-general Shai Brosh. Brosh is a former commander of the elite Shayetet 13 commando unit, equivalent to the US Navy SEALS.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)