Israel's 'Secret Negotiations' with Germany for Purchasing Nuclear Submarines

Israeli media have reported on the 'final stage of secret negotiations' between Israel and Germany for the purchase of three submarines capable of nuclear strikes; Maariv described these submarines as 'Israel's long arm in the event of war with Iran.' The Jerusalem Post and Maariv wrote on Friday, October 22, that behind-the-scenes negotiations between Israel and Germany have been ongoing in recent months and have recently reached the final stage of agreement on the details. According to these reports, both political and military officials from both countries have participated in these secret negotiations in recent months, and the deal is expected to be finalized on November 8 during a visit by high-ranking Israeli officials to Berlin. These submarines will be built in the port of Kiel, Germany. According to reports, Israel intends to replace three of its previous submarines and is also in ongoing negotiations to purchase another submarine that would bring the total number of Israeli submarines to six. According to Maariv, the Israeli Navy has been receiving the first submarines from this new purchase since 2018 and is gradually replacing its three previous submarines. The submarines being replaced were delivered to Israel 10 to 15 years ago, but two submarines delivered afterward are still considered advanced. The deal for the fifth submarine was signed in 2013 when the Israeli government claimed the capability to strike Iran's nuclear facilities. The Jerusalem Post, citing 'foreign reports,' stated that the submarines currently held by Israel can carry nuclear warheads at great distances from Israel. According to Maariv, separate negotiations for the purchase of a sixth submarine are ongoing, despite opposition from former Israeli military commanders who did not want this expense to come from Israel's military budget. Israel received its five previous German-made submarines for free or at a significantly lower price than usual, at least three of which have nuclear strike capabilities. According to these reports, Israel will have to pay a larger portion of the actual price of the submarines in the new deal, although Germany is still showing readiness to grant significant discounts. According to Maariv, Germany is still willing to sell submarines at a large discount to Israel 'for its own interests.' It seems that Israel could receive all three new submarines for $1.3 billion, while the actual price of each submarine is $650 million. Meanwhile, according to Maariv, these submarines will be the 'most expensive' weapon the Israeli army has ever had after delivery. According to these reports, this is the first time Israel has had to cover the cost of these submarines from its military budget rather than from donations from the United States. The Obama administration finalized a $38 billion military aid package to the Israeli army for a 10-year period a few weeks ago, aimed at 'helping Israel's security' to ensure it would pursue peace with its Palestinian and Arab neighbors. Based on the signing of this large aid package received from the United States, Israel has agreed for the first time to use U.S. aid for major arms purchases from American industries.