Germany (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Germany’s top intelligence chiefs have issued stark warnings to the Bundestag about heightened threats from Russia’s aggressive posture and Hamas’s established extremist networks within Germany. They stressed the current “icy peace” with Russia could erupt into open conflict, while cautioning that Hamas remains a potent threat even after recent Gaza ceasefire agreements.
Intelligence Chiefs Address Threats in Annual Bundestag Reports
On Monday, the heads of Germany’s primary intelligence services presented their annual public assessments to the Bundestag, highlighting critical security concerns involving Russia and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Sinan Selen, head of the domestic intelligence service BfV, and Martin Jäger, director of the foreign intelligence agency BND, delivered clear messages urging vigilance and readiness amid complex geopolitical realities.
Hamas Infrastructure Persists in Germany
Sinan Selen emphasised that despite a recent peace agreement involving Gaza, there is no cause for complacency regarding Hamas activities within Germany and Europe. According to Selen, Hamas has a well-established operational “infrastructure” in Germany with an estimated 32,500 individuals identified as foreign extremists a 6% increase since last year.
Selen pointed out that extremist networks tied to Hamas continue to pose security risks at European and German levels, necessitating sustained intelligence oversight and counter-terrorism efforts. This follows recent reports from German security agencies about increased radicalisation and recruitment within certain communities.
Russia’s Military and Hybrid Threats
Martin Jäger underscored that the existing “icy peace” between Europe and Russia is fragile and could quickly transition into a “hot confrontation.” Jäger warned that Russia is determined to expand its political influence westwards, including into German and European spheres, and will not hesitate to engage militarily with NATO if it aligns with Moscow’s strategic ambitions.
Jäger detailed the extensive hybrid warfare tactics employed by Russia, from propaganda campaigns to espionage, sabotage, drone incursions, and airspace violations by Russian fighter jets. He highlighted recent drone attacks in Poland and airspace breaches in Estonia as evidence of Moscow’s growing assertiveness. German airports have experienced disruptions attributed to Russian drones, demonstrating the tangible security challenges faced by Germany.
Escalation Beyond Ukraine Conflict
The intelligence chiefs concurred that Russia’s aggressive behaviour is broader than just the war in Ukraine. Jäger warned lawmakers that Germany is already under pressure and must be prepared for ongoing covert and overt operations aimed at weakening democratic institutions. He argued German authorities cannot afford to delay confronting Russian threats, emphasising deteriorating security conditions with increasing espionage, cyberattacks, disinformation, and interference in political processes.
Selen described Russia’s actions as “increasingly escalatory,” with a deliberate strategy to destabilise European unity and promote division inside the EU and NATO alliances. This includes attempts to manipulate elections, targeted killings of dissidents abroad, and disruptive sabotage operations inside German territory.
Germany’s Role and Global Context
Chancellor Friedrich Merz departed Berlin for Egypt on Monday to attend a global summit for the formal signing of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas concerning Gaza. Merz will join international leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Minister Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
At the summit, Merz emphasised the importance of international unity for peace in the Middle East. He also urged former President Donald Trump to use the momentum from Sharm el-Sheikh to encourage Moscow to end hostilities in Ukraine, emphasising the interconnectedness of European and Middle Eastern security.
President Trump meanwhile indicated on Air Force One that he was considering providing long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine to extend its strike capability against Russia, while also leaving open the possibility of direct dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at conflict resolution.
Recent Security Incidents Underscore Threats
German intelligence has raised alarms about drone incursions, GPS jamming, and increased Russian espionage efforts. Sinan Selen noted that these developments underscore a growing hybrid threat environment to Germany and its allies.
An alarming case includes several drone attacks attributed to Russian actors, leading to flight disruptions at Munich airport. These incidents are part of a pattern of hybrid warfare designed to destabilise and intimidate European governments and populations.
Summary of Threat Landscape
- Hamas in Germany: 32,500 foreign extremists linked to Hamas, with activities embedded in local networks, requiring ongoing counter-terrorism vigilance.
- Russia’s posture: Threat of military confrontation with NATO, extensive hybrid warfare tactics including drone strikes and sabotage.
- Risk of escalation: Current “icy peace” could quickly deteriorate into armed conflict, Germany already facing covert attacks.
- International diplomacy: Chancellor Merz joins global leaders to sign Israel-Hamas ceasefire; calls for peace in Ukraine to complement Middle East stability
Germany’s intelligence chiefs have issued urgent warnings of heightened national security threats from both Russia and Hamas. Their assessments reflect a complex and volatile security environment, where hybrid warfare, espionage, and extremist violence continue to challenge German and European stability. These warnings call for sustained intelligence vigilance, coordinated international diplomacy, and readiness to confront evolving threats to democratic societies in Germany and beyond.
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