Ex-defense minister says ‘corrupt’ Netanyahu should quit

Former defense minister Moshe Ya’alon says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “corrupt” and should resign over a possible conflict of interest related to the purchase of German submarines.

Moshe Yaalon, an outspoken critic of Netanyahu’s government, tells Channel 10 that as defense minister he was sidelined from the deal, which went ahead after Netanyahu replaced him last year.

David Shimron, Netanyahu’s cousin and personal attorney, has been questioned by police following revelations he represented the German firm involved in the $1.5 billion deal. Both Netanyahu and Shimron have denied any wrongdoing.

According to police, Shimron is a suspect in the investigation. Netanyahu is not.

Israel has ordered six submarines from Germany over the past two decades, with the final one set for delivery in 2018. The allegations concern a deal to purchase three more to replace aging vessels.

Then-Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon speaks to students at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, on March 4, 2015. (Photo credit: Hadas Parush/Flash90
Then-Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon speaks to students at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, on March 4, 2015. (Photo credit: Hadas Parush/Flash90

— AP and Times of Israel staff

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