Germany proposes a “cyber dome” and wants to work with Israel on cyberdefense

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated on Sunday that Germany wants to strengthen cooperation between its intelligence and security services and create a joint German-Israeli cyber research center.

Germany is one of Israel’s closest European friends, and as it strengthens its military capabilities and NATO commitments in response to perceived expanding threats from China and Russia, Berlin has increasingly sought to leverage Israel’s defense experience.

“At this critical juncture in security, military defense alone is insufficient. During a visit to Israel, Dobrindt stated, “A major upgrade in civil defense is also essential to strengthen our overall defensive capabilities,” according to Germany’s Bild newspaper.

Dobrindt came in Israel on Saturday after being selected by Friedrich Merz, the new German Chancellor, last month.

As part of its cyberdefense strategy, Dobrindt presented a five-point plan to create what he referred to as a “Cyber Dome” for Germany, according to the Bild story.

Germany would have a “Iron Dome” system akin to Israel’s short-range missile defense technology if Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soeder had not asked for the purchase of 2,000 interceptor missiles earlier on Sunday.