---
title: Lockheed bribe scandal
aliases:
  - Lockheed bribe scandal
  - Lockheed bribery scandal
created: 2026-05-17
updated: 2026-05-17
tags:
  - Event
  - Scandal
  - Israel
  - UnitedStates
category: "Intelligence Scandal"
summary: "1976 scandal involving bribes paid by Lockheed Aircraft Company to Israeli Defense Minister Shimon Peres and other international figures."
start: 1976-01-01
location: "Israel"
---
The Lockheed bribe scandal refers to a series of bribery incidents involving the [[Lockheed Aircraft Company]]. In [[Israel]], a specific instance of this scandal came to light in 1976 through an intercepted telegram.[^1]

[[Ari Ben-Menashe]], while serving as a duty officer in [[Unit 8200]], intercepted a telegram from the [[Iran|Iranian]] Embassy in [[Ramat Gan]] to [[Tehran]]. This telegram detailed a meeting between a Lockheed representative in Israel and [[Shimon Peres]], then Defense Minister, revealing a bribe of $3.5 million deposited into one of Peres's brother's business accounts in [[Europe]].[^1]

Despite the explosive nature of this information, it was covered up by Israeli military intelligence superiors, including [[Yoel Ben-Porat|Col. Yoel Ben-Porat]] and [[Sasson Yishaek|Lt. Col. Sasson Yishaek]]. The original telegram, its translation, and related logs were ordered to be erased, and the young woman working with Ari Ben-Menashe was transferred to another unit. No public disclosure or inquiry was ever made regarding Israel's involvement in the scandal.[^1]

### Footnotes
[^1]: Ben-Menashe, Ari. *Profits of War: Inside the Secret U.S.-Israeli Arms Network*. TrineDay, 1992.