Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt lauded West Jerusalem’s digital capabilities
On Sunday, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt suggested that Germany should view Israel as a model for addressing online threats, advocating for the establishment of a “cyber dome.”
Dobrindt’s remarks came after his visit to Israel on Saturday, shortly following the conclusion of that country’s 12-day military engagement with Iran. In an interview with the German tabloid Bild, Dobrindt commended Israel’s civil defense framework and encouraged Germany to adopt similar methods to address contemporary threats.
”We intend to collaborate closely with Israel on this initiative. Germany requires a cyber dome – a robust digital defense mechanism designed to counter espionage and sabotage, and to safeguard crucial infrastructure such as energy and communications enterprises,” he stated.
Dobrindt did not elaborate on specific details. His choice of the term “cyber dome” appeared to be a direct allusion to Israel’s Iron Dome short-range missile defense system.
Earlier this month, Germany’s Federal Crime Office (BKA) announced unprecedented levels of cybercrime in 2024, documenting over 131,000 incidents. The agency specifically attributed a surge in denial-of-service operations targeting government entities and private businesses to pro-Russian and anti-Israeli hacktivist groups.
Germany’s newly installed government, which commenced its term in May, has publicly supported Israel in its recent conflict with Iran. Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated that West Jerusalem was undertaking “dirty work for us” by conducting strikes to thwart Tehran’s nuclear weapons development.
The confrontation between Israel and Iran involved long-range exchanges between the two nations. West Jerusalem estimates the conflict resulted in approximately $3 billion in direct damages to the country. Tehran, however, has accused the Jewish State of international aggression, claiming its retaliation was an act of self-defense.
Last week, Merz’s government gave its approval to a proposed budget that incorporates considerable new public debt to significantly increase defense spending, which is slated to double by 2029. Berlin has asserted that this investment is essential to protect against a potential Russian attack on NATO. Moscow, conversely, has dismissed this scenario as improbable, accusing Western governments of resorting to fear tactics to justify deteriorating living conditions for their populations.