- September 13, 2025
- 4:53 pm
- Brief news
According to information from the British newspaper “The Times,” there are plans in Europe to create a missile and drone defense system similar to the “Iron Dome.” However, these plans are under threat due to rising anti-Israel sentiments amid the war in Gaza.
This message concerns the Sky Shield initiative, led by Germany, which envisions creating a unified air defense system covering territories from Turkey to Finland as part of extensive efforts to strengthen land resistance against Russian aggression.
Details of the Sky Shield Project
According to assumptions, the system will be based on German Iris-T anti-aircraft complexes, American Patriot batteries, and developments from Israel and the USA, such as Arrow 3 missiles. However, the use of Arrow 3 within the Sky Shield initiative is in doubt, as Europe and Israel are in acute conflict due to the Jewish state’s reluctance to cease hostilities in Gaza.
Restrictions on Arms Exports
According to the source, several European countries, including Germany, have suspended arms exports to Israel. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged European Union countries to limit certain trade relations in light of the military conflict, accompanying statements with calls for the recognition of Palestine.
Israel’s Reaction
In response, as warned by “The Times,” Israel may hinder the implementation of European plans to create a defense system, as it has the ability to veto the export of Arrow 3 missiles.
Increasing Tensions
In a publication on www.maariv.co.il, the opinion of Amos Yadlin, former head of military intelligence, is cited, noting that if Germany takes serious steps threatening Israel’s national security, the state cannot ignore the need to adjust some aspects of its relations with Germany. However, according to him, the situation is not yet critical.
Economic Sanctions and Disputes
The Times claims that tensions between Europe and Israel are increasing amid von der Leyen’s announcement of suspending financial payments to Israel and imposing sanctions against “extremist” officials and settlers. Israel is accused of brutal actions in Gaza and violating the two-state principle.
Security Threats
An increasing number of countries imposing an arms embargo on Israel is also noted — among them Germany and Slovenia. The United Kingdom, in turn, threatens to recognize Palestine if Israel does not meet certain conditions. Israel responded to this with accusations of anti-Semitism, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that Europe’s actions contribute to strengthening Hamas.
Illustrative Examples
Pressure on Europe to create effective defense systems intensified after an incident where two Russian drones entered Polish airspace and were shot down by Polish air defense systems. The situation led to the closure of the airport in Warsaw and the convening of an emergency government meeting led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, while NATO noted that the intrusion was deliberate, and Russia denied the accusations, stating that it was provocations by Ukraine.
Problems with Defense Systems
Nevertheless, “The Times” emphasizes that without Arrow 3 missiles, the declared Sky Shield system will not be able to provide the desired level of protection for Europe. It will remain dependent on American Patriots, which, although effective against missiles launched by Russia in Ukraine, have limitations against the faster threat that Arrow 3 missiles are designed to handle.
Financial Costs
A Bloomberg Intelligence study claims that creating a full-fledged air defense system for all of Europe will require about 200 billion dollars. Meanwhile, the Israeli government declined to comment on the requests it received.