Netanyahu rival launches probe, testing partnership

 Israel’s defense minister on Sunday appointed a committee to investigate government's controversial purchase of German submarines several years ago — a step that furr strained his alrey poor relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

$2 billion purchase of submarines and warships me by Thyssenkrupp is focus of a sweeping corruption scandal in which seven businessmen, including confidants of Netanyahu, have been named as suspects.

Netanyahu, who is on trial for his involvement in three or corruption scandals, is t a suspect in submarine case. But critics, including his defense minister at time of purchase in 2015, have said Netanyahu behaved improperly and may have h a conflict of interest.

Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who is Netanyahu’s main coalition partner, said he h decided to appoint committee after weeks of consultations with legal and defense officials. He said committee, to be heed by a retired judge, would release its findings within four months.

Gantz and Netanyahu formed a power-sharing deal in May after battling to a delock in three consecutive elections. But ir government, ostensibly aimed at confronting coronavirus crisis, has been plagued by infighting and paralysis.

If rivals cant reach a budget deal by Dec. 23, country could be forced into ar election next spring, right around time investigative committee is set to release its findings.

Netanyahu’s Likud party accused Gantz of acting out of political considerations, saying he is “scouring for votes” at a time when his Blue and White party is plunging in opinion polls.