Tel Aviv (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Europe’s missile shield plans risk being stalled as Israel may halt Arrow 3 exports due to the Gaza conflict, escalating EU-Israel political tensions.
As reported by The Telegraph, Europe’s efforts to construct an Iron Dome-style missile shield are at risk amid rising anti-Israel backlash over the Gaza war.
How could Israel block Europe’s Sky Shield plans?
The German-led Sky Shield Initiative aims to build a Europe-wide air-defence system from Turkey to Finland to counter Russian aggression.
The system will rely on German-made Iris-T and US Patriot missiles for base defence, with Israel’s Arrow 3 planned for high-altitude threats.
The Arrow 3, developed by Israel and the US, is the world’s first missile defence system capable of intercepting hypersonic missiles outside Earth’s atmosphere.
Sky Shield’s implementation is under scrutiny as Europe and Israel disagree on the Jewish state’s Gaza operations.
Germany and other EU nations have stopped selling weapons to Israel, as European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen urged EU members to curb trade, while calls grew to recognise Palestine.
Israel could block Europe’s Iron Dome plans, as Jerusalem holds veto power over Arrow 3 exports, requiring approval from its Defence Exports Control Agency.
Deca oversees export licences for domestic weapons and military equipment, approving them with “consideration of other national interests.”
Amos Yadlin’s views on Israel-Germany ties
Amos Yadlin, Israel’s former military intelligence chief, said,
“If Germany takes significant steps that will harm Israel’s national security, Israel will have no choice but to walk back certain elements in the relations that are beneficial to both sides.”
He stated,
“We are not there yet and we [both sides] should do everything we can to avoid getting there.”
Mr Yadlin called Germany one of Israel’s “closest and most important allies” and urged Israel to “continue cooperating with Germany in every aspect possible.”
How is Europe reacting to Israel’s actions in Gaza?
In recent months, European nations have voiced stronger disapproval of Israel’s government.
Ursula von der Leyen announced in her State of the Union address that EU payments to Israel would be frozen.
Following the October 7 terror strikes, the German visiting official criticised Israel as a “man-made famine” and a threat to peace efforts.
She called on EU states to reach a majority to suspend trade deals with Israel and sanction “extremist” ministers and settlers.
Ms von der Leyen also pressed them to resolve divisions that had blocked proposals to curb Israel’s Horizon programme support.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned he would recognise Palestine if Israel did not agree to a ceasefire and aid delivery in Gaza.
Following a wave of Russian drone incursions over Poland, EU leaders highlighted the importance of advancing plans to reinforce Europe’s air defence systems.
How are European embargoes shaping Israel’s Sky Shield plans?
Many world capitals are set to recognise Palestine at the UN Assembly in New York. European nations are increasingly imposing embargoes on arms exports to Israel.
Germany confirmed it suspended war-weapons exports to Israel as part of Sky Shield last year. The EU’s Slovenia recently enforced a complete arms embargo on Israel, joining the air-defence programme.
A total of 24 countries are part of the plan, including the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands, all critical of Israel’s wartime actions.
Ursula von der Leyen’s stance on the Russian drone attack
In Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen was preparing her annual speech when news of the Russian drone strike emerged.
She slammed the
“reckless and unprecedented violation of Poland’s and Europe’s airspace.”
The European President added,
“We must heed the call of our Baltic friends and build a drone wall. This is not an abstract ambition. It is the bedrock of credible defence.”
What did Gideon Sa’ar say about von der Leyen’s comments?
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar criticised Mrs von der Leyen for “false propaganda of Hamas and its partners.”
He added,
“Once again, Europe conveys a mistaken message, one that strengthens Hamas and the radical axis in the Middle East.”
What did Manfred Weber say about a European missile defence shield?
The EPP leader, Manfred Weber, argued Europe should unite on a missile defence system from Finland to Greece.
He added that the plan would include a sky surveillance system to monitor potential threats without relying on the US.
Mr Weber described it as a European Iron Dome, fully compatible with NATO, the cornerstone of continental security.
What did Wyrki’s mayor say about NATO’s local response?
Mayor Bernard Blaszczuk of Wyrki said the system would help residents after a Russian drone crash.
He stated,
“One of my employees called and said her neighbours’ house had exploded and that numerous planes were flying overhead. I decided to close local schools and cancel classes for the day.”
Mr Blaszczuk added,
“This was to protect children and prevent large gatherings. I think any local response to the situation from Nato would greatly enhance the sense of security of local residents. Deploying the Patriot system, radars, or drone interception systems would help secure the border, which would also increase local security.”
How Effective Would Europe’s Sky Shield Be Without Arrow 3?
Sky Shield could fail to protect Europe without Israel’s Arrow 3. With Arrow 3 absent, the US Patriot system is left intercepting hypersonic missiles, its range limited against faster targets.
The German-made Iris-T is set to cover targets up to 40km away. The mobile Skyranger system is deployed to defend tight spaces from drones. A report suggests Europe’s air-defence network could cost $200bn.
David Lammy’s views on UK aid and humanitarian access in Gaza
Former Foreign Secretary and current UK Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, said,
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with famine in Gaza City and women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering. The UK is doing all we can to improve the situation but we remain crystal clear: for aid to have impact, Israel must ensure it is allowed in and delivered safely and securely to civilians in desperate need.”
He added,
“This £3m extra funding can only have maximum impact if the government of Israel allows it. Israel must ensure protection of civilians including healthcare staff and health infrastructure, and enable the delivery of life-saving medicines, medical equipment and healthcare supplies into Gaza.”
Key facts about the Gaza-Israel war
The war began on 7 October 2023 when Hamas launched attacks on Israel. Around 1,706 Israelis have been killed, mainly in the initial strikes.
In Gaza, over 64,000 Palestinians have reportedly died. The actual Palestinian toll is likely higher due to uncounted casualties.