Ex-US defense official urges Trump to halt Israel’s sub program

A former senior US defense department official has added a new twist to the controversy roiling Israel over the acquisition of new submarines, saying President-elect Trump should step in and halt the purchase.

“The American taxpayer is effectively subsidizing this new round of submarine procurement,” writes Dov Zakheim, a former senior DOD official and adviser to George W. Bush and Mitt Romney, arguing that given the cloud over the deal, the US should evaluate the purchase and stop it if necessary.

The plan to equip the Israeli navy with three new submarines — which play a huge part in Israel’s deterrent capabilities — has caused a political storm in recent days, amid allegation that Prime Minister Netanyahu gave a green light to the deal over the objections of the top military brass who wanted to use the funds for other projects.

There have also been reports that Netanyahu’s lawyer David Shimron sought to use his influence to lobby for the German shipyard that builds the fleet. Both men have denied any wrongdoing, with Netanayhu saying his sole concern was Israel’s security.

The US does not directly fund the submarine program, which is paid for by Israel, but heavily subsidized by the German government. However, Zakheim argues, the only reason Israel can afford the subs is because US military assistance frees up money from other defense needs.

— Gavin Rabinowitz