Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks during a press conference after attending a special summit of European Union leaders to discuss transatlantic relations, in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 23, 2026. Photo: REUTERS/Yves Herman

Israel is not merely a country defending its own existence. It is a military, technological, and intelligence power whose capabilities have become increasingly relevant to the security of the democratic world.

Russia’s aggression, China’s expanding military ambitions, and Iran’s regional activities are reshaping the international security environment. Future conflicts may involve simultaneous military confrontations, cyberattacks, economic disruption, and strikes against critical infrastructure. Conventional military strength will remain essential, but intelligence, technological innovation, and the ability to respond rapidly will increasingly influence outcomes. Israel has developed considerable expertise in these areas through decades of operational experience.

Europe’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine exposed serious weaknesses in military readiness, ammunition production, and defense infrastructure. Years of reduced investment left several countries dependent on American protection and vulnerable to prolonged disruption. Rebuilding military capabilities requires more than increased budgets. It demands industrial capacity, operational knowledge, and effective coordination. Israel offers valuable expertise in precisely these areas, having developed a defense establishment designed to respond quickly to evolving threats.

Its military technology provides perhaps the clearest example. Israel’s layered missile defense architecture, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, represents decades of innovation under operational pressure. Although no system offers complete protection, Israel has acquired extensive experience defending population centers and strategic infrastructure against aerial threats. Germany’s acquisition of Arrow 3 demonstrates the practical value European governments place on Israeli expertise. Political disagreements have not prevented recognition of the country’s technological importance.

Israel’s intelligence and cybersecurity capabilities are equally significant. Modern warfare increasingly targets communication networks, energy systems, financial institutions, and transportation infrastructure. Disrupting these services can undermine national stability without conventional military occupation. Israel’s experience in intelligence gathering, electronic warfare, and cyber defense provides knowledge that could strengthen Western preparedness. Its close relationship between military institutions, research centers, and private technology companies also supports rapid innovation, an advantage when threats evolve faster than traditional defense procurement.

Geography further increases Israel’s strategic relevance. Situated near major maritime routes linking Europe, Asia, and Africa, Israel operates in a region central to international trade, energy security, and geopolitical competition. Its military capabilities and regional partnerships can contribute to deterrence and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and surrounding areas. Maintaining a strong Israel therefore serves interests extending beyond the country’s immediate borders.

Israel also possesses considerable experience in civilian emergency preparedness and military mobilization. Its warning systems, emergency institutions, and reserve structure reflect the necessity of maintaining national resilience under pressure. These capabilities are particularly relevant as European governments reconsider how to protect their populations against missile attacks, cyberwarfare, and prolonged infrastructure disruption. Israel’s experience offers practical lessons, although its small territory and concentrated population also create serious vulnerabilities.

The failures surrounding Oct. 7, 2023, demonstrated that sophisticated intelligence and military capabilities cannot eliminate strategic misjudgment. Israel remains dependent on international supply chains, military partnerships, and a functioning civilian economy. Recognizing these limitations strengthens rather than weakens the argument for serious cooperation. Strategic partnerships should be based on realistic assessments of capabilities, vulnerabilities, and shared interests.

For European governments, the implications are clear. Israel should not be viewed exclusively through the lens of Middle Eastern diplomacy. Its defense industry, technological expertise, and operational experience make it a valuable security partner at a time when Western countries are investing heavily in military modernization. Legitimate disagreements over Israeli government policies need not prevent cooperation on common threats.

Supporting Israel’s security is often presented as a moral commitment grounded in Jewish history, democratic values, and the right to national self-determination. Those considerations remain important, but the strategic argument deserves equal attention. A capable Israel can contribute to regional deterrence, technological development, and the defensive preparedness of Western democracies.

A third world war is not inevitable, and military strength alone cannot guarantee peace. Nevertheless, the changing international environment demands credible deterrence, resilient institutions, and reliable partnerships. Israel has developed capabilities that could become increasingly valuable in meeting those challenges.

The question for Europe is not whether it must agree with every Israeli policy. It is whether political disagreements should prevent recognition of a strategic partner whose expertise could strengthen European security.

Israel’s security matters to the West. Increasingly, so does Israel’s strength.

Sabine Sterk is founder and chair woman of the NGO Time To Stand Up For Israel.