Israeli PM’s lawyer faces possible indictment for bribery charges in submarine deal

Israeli police have recommended to local prosecutors the filing of bribery charges against six suspects, including a relative of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over the sale of German submarines to Israel amounting to US$2 billion.

This is the latest development in a corruption investigation begun in 2016 following an Israeli Channel 10 TV report that David Shimron, Mr Netanyahu’s personal lawyer and a distant relative, had also represented the local agent of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, which was the seller.

Mr Shimron’s representation of Thyssenkrupp’s agent had constituted a conflict of interest, according to Israeli police officials.

A spokesperson for the government has said a statement would be issued later. Mr Shimron, in an interview with Israel’s YNet news, has denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Netanyahu was also questioned by police, which had clarified that the prime minister was not a suspect.