German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has called for the development of a ‘cyber dome’ modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, aiming to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats. His comments were made following a recent visit to Israel, where he praised the country’s civil defense mechanisms. Dobrindt highlighted the need for Germany to bolster its digital security, citing the rising number of cyberattacks, particularly from pro-Russian and anti-Israeli groups. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with Israel in this endeavor, indicating a strategic shift in Germany’s approach to digital threats.
Earlier this month, Germany’s Federal Crime Office (BKA) reported a record level of cybercrime in 2024, documenting over 131,000 cases. The agency specifically blamed pro-Russian and anti-Israeli hacktivist groups for a surge in denial-of-service operations targeting government agencies and private businesses. This surge in cybercrime has prompted the German government to consider more aggressive measures to protect its digital infrastructure.
Dobrindt’s suggestion of a ‘cyber dome’ follows Germany’s new government’s increased support for Israel following its recent military conflict with Iran. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has voiced support for Israel’s actions, claiming that West Jerusalem is conducting ‘dirty work’ for Germany by launching strikes to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. The confrontation between Israel and Iran involved long-range strikes, with West Jerusalem estimating an estimated $3 billion in direct damages to the country. Tehran has accused Israel of committing an act of international aggression and said it was acting in self-defense by retaliating.
Additionally, last week, Merz’s government approved a proposed budget that includes substantial new public debt to sharply increase defense spending, which is set to double by 2029. Berlin has argued that this investment is necessary to guard against a potential Russian attack on NATO. Moscow, however, has dismissed the scenario as implausible and accused Western governments of using fear tactics to rationalize deteriorating living conditions for their citizens.