Germany is set to establish a joint cyber research center with Israel and enhance cooperation between their intelligence and security agencies, Reuters reported on Sunday. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced the initiative during a diplomatic visit to Israel, marking the first visit by a German official since Israel’s offensive against Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, also known as Operation Rising Lion.
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According to German newspaper Bild, Dobrindt outlined a five-point strategy for strengthening Berlin’s cyber defense, including creating a so-called “Cyber Dome” as a core component. “Military defense alone is not sufficient for this turning point in security,” he said. “A significant upgrade in civil defense is also essential to strengthen our overall defensive capabilities.”
The interior minister also expressed firm political support for Israel’s recent actions against Iran. “We are 100 percent behind Israel’s actions in recent days, including the strike on nuclear sites,” he said during a visit to a missile attack site in Bat Yam. “Israel, Germany and the United States will not accept a nuclear-armed Iran.”
Germany has increasingly relied on Israeli defense expertise as it upgrades its military capabilities. Last year, the two countries began preparing to deploy the Arrow-3 missile interception system in Germany. Berlin also signed a deal with Israeli company Rafael to equip its Leopard 2 tanks with the TROPHY active protection system.