Germany sells sub to Israel but warns on attacking Iran

Germany sells sub to Israel but warns on attacking Iran

Reuters

BERLIN- Germany said on Tuesday it will sell Israel a 6th military submarine and shoulder part of the cost, although it warned its ally that any military escalation with Iran could bring incalculable risks.

German Defence Minister Thomas de Maiziere said he shared Israel’s fear of a nuclear-armed Iran and he was convinced Tehran aimed to make nuclear weapons, but he called for caution.

Germany, which after the Nazi-perpetrated Holocaust is absolutely committed to Israel’s security, has championed international diplomatic campaigns to rein in Tehran. But Berlin has also criticised Israel’s settlement-building program.

Israel operates three German-built Dolphin submarines, manufactured by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW), a unit of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems , and expects delivery of two more shortly. The vessels are considered a vanguard against foes like Iran.