Germany approves sale of three Thyssenkrupp submarines to Israel

German authorities have officially confirmed the sale of three modern submarines to Israel despite persisting claims about a conflict of interest in the deal.

German government spokesman Steffen Seibert told a regular news conference on Monday that the sale of three Thyssenkrupp submarines to Israel was final and that Berlin would help Israel pay for the deal.

Seibert said a memorandum of understanding between Germany and Israel would be signed later on Monday to approve the USD 2 billion deal for the sale of submarines. He added that the German government would make a contribution of up to 540 million euros to help Israel pay for the modern weaponry.

The sale had been stalled over claims that senior Israeli officials had benefitted from the deal.

Berlin’s approval comes as those claims still persist and Israeli police continue an investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s alleged involvement in the case.

Reports in the Israeli media have suggested that Netanyahu’s personal lawyer represented the local agent of Thyssenkrupp Marine System, the company that manufactures the submarines.

In February, Israel’s justice ministry exonerated Netanyahu from the allegations and said he was not personally involved in the case. His attorney has also denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he never discussed the deal with the premier.

Netanyahu lauded the finalization of the deal on Monday and called it a major victory against his critics.

“How sad for you, that you have been staking your hopes on recycling the submarines story, but also understand that this story, too, has been sunk,” Netanyahu told opposition lawmakers at Israel’s parliament.

Netanyahu also hailed Germany’s support for Israel, saying the approval of the submarine deal was a significant boost for the regime’s military.

“I would like to thank (German) Chancellor (Angela) Merkel and her government for this memorandum, which touches on a matter that is very important for Israel’s national security,” he said.

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