Yesterday the Commission of Inquiry into the “submarine” affair released interim findings. The commission was formed some 2 years ago to investigate possible corruption in the acquisition of vessels for the Israeli Navy. Benyamin Netanyahu, and others, are now being given time to submit additional material in their defense. The interim findings indicate a strong case against Netanyahu et al for activities that harmed Israel’s security.
For me, the most damning part of the TV broadcast reporting the release was the two clips of Netanyahu talking about it on separate occasions. In one, he said he had information that the defense establishment did not have and was therefore better positioned to make decisions. In the second, he claimed his decisions were reached only after consulting with the defense establishment. Together, they paint a picture of an arrogant, and dishonest, politician. No wonder he keeps bribing his coalition partners in order to stay in office (and avoid conviction on charges of corruption).
Following strong public reaction to attempts to pass a law giving more money to one of the coalition partners there has been a major fund raising move by several ultra-orthodox rabbis to raise money in the US from donations. They seem to have read the writing on the wall that the government will not be able to pass another bill giving them more funds.
One of the existing problems is that less motivated yeshiva students are routinely enrolled in less prestigious (and less demanding) institutions. Many of those students are there in order to avoid being drafted into the military. Many of them also don’t even bother to attend any lessons. But the yeshiva does receive government subsidies for their subsistence. Legislation to alter this situation is reported as not likely to pass.
America is not the only place where one can find corrupt politicians.
Wetherhorn 