Yesh Atid opposition party Yair Lapid, who many feel will be a serious contender in the next race for Prime Minister, is calling for a probe into the submarine deal signed with Germany by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

Channel 10 News broke the story recently, alleging Mr. Netanyahu pushed through a deal for additional advanced German-built submarines over the objections of former Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and the IDF including IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gadi Eizenkott. It is alleged Mr. Netanyahu did so to assist a close confidant who would also benefit financially for the deal.

Lapid stated the sum of the deal is unprecedented, perhaps the largest military deal made by the IDF ever, and he feels that with the allegations hanging over Mr. Netanyahu’s head, a probe must be carried out to clear his name of bring the damaging evidence against forward.

That said, Attorney General Dr. Avichai Mandelblit has announced that the deal does not require an investigation and he has not found evidence of law-breaking or a tainted deal. The attorney general added that regarding the purchase of the three advanced submarines, he would continue the probe to determine if there was a conflict of interest in the deal.

Mandelblit has already met with the state prosecutor on the matter and a number of senior officials in both offices will continue the probe.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)