Two persons said to be close to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu were detained by authorities for questioning, including his personal attorney and close confidant, David Shimron. They were detained in connection with Case 3000, the ongoing probe into illegal activities surrounding the purchase of German-manufactured submarines for the Israel Navy.

The probe surrounds deals with the German submarine manufacturer, Thyssenkrupp, and the purchase of three submarines and four missile boats for the navy which would provide security for offshore natural gas rigs. The deal is estimated to be about $2.4 billion.

Shimron, who is also Netanyahu’s cousin, represented the German firm involved and is suspected of trading his influence in return for a hefty cut of the deal.

At present, the identification of the second person detained is not being released but the person is reported to very close to PM Netanyahu.

Netanyahu is not a suspect in the case, but the investigation has engulfed his associates.

A former Cabinet minister and top former security officials have also been questioned.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)