Germany seeks to learn from Israel, build 'cyberdome' as countries deepen defense cooperation

Following up on the expanded Arrow 3 missile defense system agreement, which Israel and Germany announced on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also announced the signing of a new cybersecurity agreement between the two countries. 

The cyber defense agreement deepens the existing defense cooperation between Israel and Germany. 

The agreement establishes a wide-ranging partnership between the security agencies of both nations, focusing on cyber defense, law enforcement, counter terrorism, civil defense, and advanced technologies. 

In a post to social media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “I attach enormous importance to the overall cooperation between Israel and Germany, and especially Israel and Germany on this question of cybersecurity, which is one of the main threats to our internal security, and in many ways also our infrastructure and other threats.” 

I attach enormous importance to the overall cooperation between Israel and Germany, and especially Israel and Germany on this question of cybersecurity, which is one of the main threats to our internal security, and in many ways also our infrastructure and other threats.

And I… pic.twitter.com/dPzsZGw9by

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) January 11, 2026

“And I think Germany and Israel are natural partners. We've cooperated on the Arrow III, we've cooperated in many areas. We cooperate technologically. Chancellor Merz was here recently, we talked about defense cooperation.” 

“The declaration signed today anchors deep cooperation with Germany in the fields of cyber defense, counterterrorism and advanced technologies and translates security commitment into joint action,” Netanyahu said. 

During the ceremony with German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, as the two signed the documents with pens, Netanyahu joked, “It’s amazing in the age of cyber that we still do this.” 

Germany’s ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, also posted about the signing on his social media account, noting that the agreement also included the fields of AI and drone technology. 

Federal Minister of the Interior Dobrindt and Prime Minister @netanyahu have signed the German-Israeli Cyber and Security Declaration, marking an important step in our cooperation in these crucial fields, including also AI and drone defence. @BMI_Bund pic.twitter.com/cfiZxaEhVw

— Steffen Seibert (@GerAmbTLV) January 12, 2026

Minister Dobrindt said the agreement would also benefit Germany greatly: “We have a strong interest in learning how Israel built its Cyberdome,” Dobrindt said. “We want to benefit from their experience and know-how.” 

His ministry explained that Germany plans to establish a "Cyberdome," meaning "a partially automated system for the detection, analysis, and response to cyberattacks."

"In building the Cyber Dome, Germany can benefit from Israel’s expertise. In Tel Aviv, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt was able to see Israel’s innovative capabilities firsthand during a virtual demonstration," the interior ministry stated.

Other topics included in the pact are the establishment of a joint AI and cyber innovation center; cybersecurity for connected and autonomous driving and for the protection of energy infrastructure; Drone detection and counter-drone measures; Civil protection and population protection; and law enforcement and counterterrorism, said the ministry.