German interior minister visits Israel for talks with Netanyahu, Katz

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt travelled to Israel on Saturday in a surprise visit.

The minister plans to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Sunday.

Meetings with Defence Minister Israel Katz and the minister for strategic affairs, Ron Dermer, are also planned, according to a spokesman.

“Supporting Israel involves holding talks on the ground and getting an idea of the situation,” said Dobrindt. “I want to show that we support Israel as our closest partner in the fight against terror.”

The minister, who took office in Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government last month, also wants to benefit from Israel’s experience in military and civil defence. The two belong together, he said.

“Israel is ahead of us, especially in cyber defence and civil protection,” Dobrindt stated ahead of the visit. “We also need to adapt more to new threat situations.”

“We will work closely with Israel on this,” said the minister. “Germany needs a cyber dome!”

The term refers to a powerful digital shield against espionage and sabotage, which would also protect critical infrastructure, such as energy and communications companies.

Dobrindt, from the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU), is one of the strongest backers of Israel in the German government.

While Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul have criticized the Israeli military’s conduct in Gaza, Dobrindt has steadfastly reiterated his support for Israel against the Palestinian militant group Hamas.