Amid growing digital security threats, Germany is looking to strengthen its defences. During his visit to the Israeli city of Bat Yam, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced the launch of an initiative to establish a joint German-Israeli cyber research centre. His visit to Israel is the first official visit by a representative of the new German government after the conflict with Iran, Bild newspaper emphasises.
Dobrindt presented a five-point plan aimed at building Germany’s so-called ‘cyber dome’, a key element in the new cyber defence strategy. The plan includes: strengthening cooperation between Germany and Israel in cybersecurity, expanding civil protection and early warning systems, deepening cooperation between the two countries’ intelligence and security agencies, establishing a joint research centre on cyber threats, and developing Germany’s capabilities in counter-drone defence.
The choice of Israel as a strategic partner is not accidental. Israel has been a global leader in defence and cyber technology for long. Bat Yam, which is among the target locations for the Iranian missile attack, was chosen symbolically as the venue for the initiative unveiling as an expression of solidarity and appreciation for Israel’s expertise in countering threats.
