Germany and Israel Forge Cybersecurity Alliance, Focus on 'Cyber Dome' Development

Historic Pact Signed to Bolster Digital Defenses

Germany and Israel have formalized a significant cyber and security cooperation agreement, aiming to substantially deepen their partnership in digital security. The pact was signed in Jerusalem earlier this month by German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This alliance underscores Germany's keen interest in leveraging Israel's advanced experience, particularly in developing its own 'Cyber Dome' defense system.

The agreement builds upon a Letter of Intent signed on December 9, 2025, by senior officials from both nations, outlining plans to expand cyber defense capabilities. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating that Germany and Israel are 'natural partners' in addressing cybersecurity, which he described as one of the main threats to internal security and national infrastructure.

Learning from Israel's 'Cyber Dome' Expertise

A central pillar of the new agreement is Germany's ambition to establish its own 'Cyber Dome,' a comprehensive digital shield designed to protect national infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. This initiative draws inspiration from Israel's renowned Iron Dome missile defense system, but operates in the digital realm. Israel's existing Cyber Dome is described as a centralized, real-time defense mechanism that consolidates multiple data sources into a unified threat detection and response platform.

German Interior Minister Dobrindt, who received a virtual demonstration of Israel's cyber defense capabilities during his visit to Tel Aviv, expressed Germany's strong interest in learning how Israel constructed its system. The German Cyber Dome is envisioned not as a single product, but as a comprehensive defense concept integrating various tools, processes, and institutions to strengthen national cyber resilience.

Key Areas of Enhanced Collaboration

The newly forged alliance outlines several critical areas for joint development and knowledge exchange:

• Joint Development of Cyber Dome: Both countries will collaborate on developing a new generation of the Cyber Dome, sharing knowledge and best practices.
• AI and Cyber Innovation Center: Plans include establishing a joint 'AI and Cyber Innovation' center to foster advanced research and development.
• Critical Infrastructure Protection: Cooperation will focus on enhancing cybersecurity in vital sectors such as connected driving and energy infrastructure protection.
• Drone Defense: Germany and Israel will work together on drone detection and defense technologies, an area where Israel has significant experience.
• Expertise Exchange: The pact facilitates the exchange of expertise and operational experience in defending against cyberattacks.
• Collaborative Research: Both nations will promote joint research in the cyber domain to enhance early warning systems and coordinated responses.

Strategic Importance Amidst Rising Threats

This partnership comes as Germany seeks to drastically enhance its defenses against cyberattacks, particularly from state-backed actors in countries such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Germany views Israel as a crucial security partner outside of NATO and the EU, recognizing its technical expertise and operational experience in cyber defense.

The agreement is also seen as an extension of existing security cooperation between the two nations, which includes defense projects like the Arrow 3 anti-ballistic missile defense system. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu highlighted that the cyber pact reflects Israel's growing international standing and the increasing willingness of major powers to collaborate on security and economic matters.