Israel’s Gantz sets up panel to probe Netanyahu submarine scandal

Israel's minister of military affairs Benny Gantz has announced the formation of a commission to investigate the purchase of submarines and missile boats from Germany that has embroiled several close associates of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The probe, which is expected to last about four months, “can shed light on part of the processes that led to the procurement of the submarines and vessels,” Gantz said on Sunday. The commission lacks legal authority and cannot force any witness to testify before it. Netanyahu was questioned but not named as a suspect in the submarine scandal. The latest development comes as Israeli protesters have demanded Netanyahu to be probed during their weekly protests that occur outside the prime minister’s official residence. Netanyahu, who is on trial on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three other cases, was sworn in for a fifth term this summer after striking a unity deal with his principal election rival, former military chief Gantz. Gantz’s move is seen as an attempt to pressure Netanyahu into fulfilling their coalition agreements, but reports have said it could further destabilize the already shaky unity regime.

UAE angered over Netanyahu’s exploitation of normalization deal, cancels summit with Israel, US

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has canceled an event with Israel and the US, accusing Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu of exploiting the normalization deal and using Crown Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s commitment as an election ploy to boost his chances in upcoming Israeli general elections.

Netanyahu appears in court to answer corruption charges

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appeared in court to formally respond to corruption charges against him, as his trial resumes weeks before legislative elections in the occupied territories.

In 25th week of rallies, protest group vows to lay ‘siege’ to Netanyahu residence

In the 25th consecutive week of protest rallies held in Israel against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a protest group called “Crime Minister” has vowed to lay “siege” to the premier’s residence until he leaves power.

Ex-Saudi spy chief rips Israel after Netanyahu trip exposé

Saudi Arabia’s former influential spymaster has laid into the Israeli regime in strong-worded remarks after Israel's media outlets exposed a trip by the Israeli prime minister to the kingdom.

MBS-Netanyahu-Pompeo Meeting in Saudi Indicates Military Action against Major Country in Middle East: Hamas

Member of Hamas’ politburo, Mahmoud Al-Zahhar, warned that the tripartite meeting of the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad Bin Salman, Zionist PM, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, paves the way to a military action against a major country in the Middle East.