Czechia finalizes landmark air defence deal with Israel as EU tensions rise

The Czech Republic is close to concluding negotiations with Israel for the acquisition of advanced air defence systems, specifically the David’s Sling (medium to show range) and the Arrow (high-altitude). This development coincides with deepening industrial cooperation between the two nations in the defence sector. At the same time, Prague and Jerusalem continue to jointly oppose efforts within the European Union to tighten policies targeting Israel.

The primary focus of recent high-level discussions has been the future of Czech-Israeli collaboration in air defence. Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka confirmed on 14 July that talks regarding the purchase of these sophisticated Israeli systems have entered their final stages.

“We are discussing air defence systems with Israel because these systems are technologically advanced,” Macinka stated, underscoring that the decisions are closely tied to the Czech Republic’s NATO commitments. He highlighted that following the recent Alliance summit in Ankara, Prague is under pressure to fulfil its defence capability targets, with air defence remaining a top priority for the country’s security architecture.

In addition to the procurement talks, Macinka announced plans for a dedicated conference on arms cooperation between the two countries, scheduled to take place in Prague during September or October. This event is expected to further solidify bilateral ties and explore new avenues for joint projects.

The most significant defence transaction to date involves the Czech Republic’s purchase of four short-range SPYDER batteries, valued at approximately CZK 13.7 billion (around €560 million), with deliveries expected to continue until 2026. Alongside this, Prague has acquired eight EL/M-2084 multifunction radars through a separate intergovernmental agreement. Czech officials stress that these two projects are technologically interconnected, creating a cohesive layer of protection that aligns with modern NATO standards.

Expanding industrial cooperation

Parallel to the equipment purchases, discussions are progressing on technology transfer and local manufacturing. Plans include the construction of complete SPYDER launcher systems within the Czech Republic and the establishment of an Elbit drone production and training centre in partnership with Czech firm LPP. The Czech side places strong emphasis on involving domestic industry in these projects, aiming to generate skilled jobs and foster technological know-how. For Israeli companies, the Czech Republic represents a strategic gateway to broader European and NATO markets, offering a reliable partner within the European Union.

This defence cooperation is designed to help the Czech Republic phase out outdated post-Soviet equipment and replace it with modern, combat-proven technologies that fully meet NATO requirements. The partnership not only enhances Prague’s military capabilities but also reinforces its geopolitical position as a staunch supporter of Israel within the EU, even as several other European governments grow more critical of Israel’s military operations.

Economically, the collaboration promises benefits such as new employment opportunities and technology transfers that could invigorate Czech defence-related industries. However, it also raises questions about potential supply chain vulnerabilities amid ongoing regional instability in the Middle East. On the domestic front, the partnership has intensified public and political debates in the Czech Republic regarding arms exports to a nation engaged in a highly contentious conflict in Gaza.

EU talks stall over Israeli settlements

In parallel with the bilateral progress, the European Union has failed to reach agreement on imposing additional restrictions on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The lack of consensus among foreign ministers has pushed the matter back to the ambassadorial level for further discussion.

EU foreign ministers grapple with unanimity challenges at lengthy FAC meeting

During Tuesday’s (on July) meeting of EU foreign ministers, a proposal to ban imports of products from Israeli settlements was supported by a majority but ultimately fell short of the required unanimity or sufficient backing for adoption. Macinka made Prague’s position clear: such important decisions should be handled at the ministerial or prime ministerial level rather than being delegated to ambassadors.

He emphasised that the Czech Republic’s stance aligns with the European Commission’s approach and recalled that the new Czech government’s programmatic declaration, adopted in January, firmly opposes the gradual transfer of competences from nation states to EU institutions.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar sharply criticised EU High Representative Kaja Kallas for advancing the issue to the ambassadorial level despite the absence of a ministerial decision. “How is it possible that, when there is no majority in the ministerial body that usually makes the decision, they send it back to the ambassadors, trying to force the Commission to do something new that it hasn’t done before?” Sa’ar questioned. He expressed appreciation for allies like the Czech Republic and voiced hope that the EU would not devolve into an institution driven by what he described as an anti-Israeli obsession.

The current EU differentiation policy requires labelling of products originating from settlements, yet Kallas acknowledged that implementation has been inconsistent and largely ineffective in curbing trade. Proposed measures, including full or partial import bans, stricter export licensing, and potential tariffs, failed to secure the necessary support. This outcome highlights deep divisions within the EU on the issue, with the Czech Republic playing a key role in resisting what it views as unbalanced or procedurally questionable initiatives.

Sa’ar also provided updates on the sixth round of Israeli-Lebanese negotiations underway in Rome. He reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to implementing pilot zones agreed upon in Washington on 26 June, describing the process as historic and the only viable path forward.

The article in Polish by EUalive’s partner FocusEurope.pl can be found here.

Caption: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar (L) and Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka (R) shake hands at a joint press conference following their meeting at the Czernin Palace in Prague, Czech Republic, 20 May 2026. EPA/MARTIN DIVISEK