Germany and Israel Forge Comprehensive Cybersecurity and Security Pact

Historic Agreement Signed in Jerusalem

In a move to significantly enhance their security cooperation, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially signed a comprehensive security pact in Jerusalem on January 11, 2026. The agreement focuses on strengthening Germany's infrastructure protection against escalating cyber threats, alongside expanded collaboration in counterterrorism and advanced technologies.

Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized the natural partnership between the two countries, stating, 'I think Germany and Israel are natural partners.' He further noted that the pact 'reflects the growing closeness of many countries and major powers like Germany... which seek cooperation with us and want to promote not only security matters but also economic ones.' Minister Dobrindt affirmed that the declaration is rooted in 'Germany's deep commitment to Israel's security' and elevates the level of cooperation to 'a new strategic level.'

Pillars of Enhanced Cooperation

The newly signed pact builds upon a Letter of Intent previously signed on December 9, 2025, by the Director General of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, Yossi Karadi, and the Head of the Cyber Department at the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, Friederike Dahns. The cooperation is structured around several key areas:

• Development of the next generation of the 'Cyber Dome,' a comprehensive digital shield designed to repel cyberattacks and drone attacks.
• Establishment of a Cyber Center of Excellence, which will promote research, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Joint exercises and simulations in cybersecurity and AI.
• Advancement of regulation in cyber risk management.
• Close networking between the security authorities of both countries.
• Exchange of knowledge and personnel through expert exchange programs.

This initiative aims to leverage Israel's renowned expertise and technologies in cybersecurity to bolster Germany's defenses against increasingly sophisticated digital threats.

Addressing Regional and Global Threats

A significant driver behind this enhanced security alliance is the shared concern over regional and global threats. Prime Minister Netanyahu explicitly linked the pact to the threats posed by Iran and its proxies. He stated, 'Iran and its proxies – Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis – threaten not only Israel but also regional stability and international security.' The declaration anchors deep cooperation in cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and advanced technologies, translating security commitment into joint action.

Minister Dobrindt also announced that Germany would 'take the lead' for the first time in the US-led Office of the Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (OSC) in Jerusalem, further underscoring Germany's commitment to regional stability.

A New Era of Bilateral Security

The signing of this pact marks a pivotal moment in the security relationship between Germany and Israel. It formalizes a broad security partnership between the security apparatuses of both countries, building on existing collaborations such as the Arrow III anti-ballistic missile defense system. The agreement is expected to foster deeper collaboration on intelligence, cyber defense, civil protection, and advanced security technologies, with a focus on rapidly sharing information on emerging threats and protecting critical infrastructure.