Thirteen senior IAI staff arrested over suspected corruption

Thirteen senior staff members from Israel Aerospace Industries, including senior officers in the IDF reserves, were arrested on Wednesday morning on suspicion of corruption. The Israel Police said in a statement that members of the board of directors, managers and low-level staff were also among those believed to be involved. IAI, one of the main suppliers of weapons to the IDF, employs about 20,000 people and has sales of nearly $5 billion a year. It provides the IDF with satellites, drones, missile batteries, radar systems, missile boats, and protection systems for tanks and ships as well as helicopters and other aircraft. Police officials say the charges are not related to IAI sales, but rather awards of contracts.