Final Report: Submarine Inquiry Commission Blasts Netanyahu’s Secretive Decision-Making
The final Submarine Affair report is out, and the findings are explosive. From "parallel channels" that sidelined the IDF to undocumented deals with foreign powers, the Grunis Commission warns that the government’s "chaos" posed an existential threat to Israel. See the full list of failures and recommendations.
The State Commission of Inquiry into the acquisition of naval vessels and submarines (Case 3000) released its final findings today, delivering a scathing indictment of Israel's national security decision-making processes over the past decade. The report, which follows years of investigation, describes a state of "strategic ambiguity" and "chaos" that directly endangered the country's security, as reported by Channel 13.
The commission, chaired by retired Supreme Court President Asher Grunis, emphasized that proper administration in security matters is not merely a formality but an existential requirement. "Decisions on security issues... are a vital need, especially after the events of October 7," the report stated, linking the historical failures in the submarine case to the broader systemic collapses seen in recent years.
Key Findings: Bypassed Systems and "Rubber Stamps"
The report highlights several critical failures in the procurement of German-made Thyssenkrupp vessels between 2009 and 2017:
The commission's final report echoes the warnings issued in its June 2024 interim findings, concluding that the conduct of the political echelon led to a "deep and systematic disruption" in force-building. By hiding diplomatic dialogues from relevant security bodies, the government reportedly "endangered the security of the state and harmed foreign relations."
To prevent a recurrence, the commission proposed a radical overhaul of how Israel builds its military power:
1. Permanent Expert Committee: A statutory body to advise the Cabinet and manage security risks.
2. Institutionalized Force Building: A mandatory process where the government, not just the military, prioritizes threats and approves multi-year plans.
3. Enhanced Oversight: Merging the IDF Planning Directorate with a joint body under the Ministry of Defense to increase civilian oversight.
The publication comes at a poignant moment, as Justice Grunis, 81, was recently hospitalized in serious condition. He expressed his gratitude for the public's well-wishes as the report he spearheaded was delivered to the government.
Channel 13 contributed to this article.