Germany and Israel are stepping up their close and trusting cooperation in the field of security. On the 2nd weekend in January, Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt travelled to Israel to sign a security and cybersecurity pact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The pact strengthens and expands the two countries’ existing cooperation.
The pact includes the following points:
- Exchange and networking on Cyber Dome defence
- Developing a joint AI and cyber innovation centre
- Cybersecurity in the areas of connected driving and energy infrastructure protection
- Drone detection and drone defence
- Civil protection
- Law enforcement and counter-terrorism
The two countries already enjoy excellent security cooperation, especially in the field of cybersecurity. Israel is Germany’s most important partner outside of NATO and the EU.
“We are keenly interested in learning from Israel’s experience building its Cyber Dome.“
Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt in Israel
Plans for a German Cyber Dome
To boost Germany’s cyber resilience, the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) will develop a Cyber Dome – a partially automated system for detecting, analysing and responding to cyber attacks. In developing its Cyber Dome, Germany can benefit from Israel’s expertise in this area. While he was in Tel Aviv, Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt attended a virtual demonstration where he was able to get a first-hand impression of Israel’s innovative strength.
What is the Cyber Dome?
The Cyber Dome is a defence concept against cyber attacks that will massively strengthen Germany’s cyber security. It is not a single product that you buy and set up, but a multi-layered concept for defending against cyber attacks.
In future, both small businesses and critical infrastructure will be better protected by the Cyber Dome. Specifically, Israel and Germany have agreed to exchange expertise and experience in defending against cyber attacks, to jointly develop the latest cyber defence technologies and to promote mutual research in the cyber field.
Federal Police deployment
To support a peaceful solution in the Middle East, the Federal Ministry of the Interior has seconded a high-level Federal Police expert team to the U.S.-led Office of the Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (OSC) in Israel. This team will provide on-the-ground support to civilian security authorities in rebuilding police and security forces. Germany also participates in the European Union’s police missions.
During his visit, Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt also met for talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
Source: BMI