Finland has quietly extended its bilateral defense agreement with Israel for another decade, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the nation's left-wing opposition parties.
The renewed pact, which runs until 2034, was signed without a public announcement from Finland's defense ministry. The agreement was initially signed in 2013 and renewed in 2019, each for five-year terms. It facilitates cooperation in the research, development, and procurement of military products between the two countries.
Leaders from the Green League and the Left Alliance denounced the extension. Sofia Virta, chair of the Green League, stated, "When we demanded pressure on Israel, the government tightened cooperation." Minja Koskela, chair of the Left Alliance, called the deal "intolerably shameful."
However, Finland's Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen defended the agreement, characterizing it as standard practice for nations with established defense ties. "We have cooperation documents with 40 countries, and Israel has long been one of them," Häkkänen said, according to Finnish broadcaster Yle. "It is not a dramatic new policy." He added that Finland's focus is on securing "the best air defense system in the world, and the best technology related to it."
The memorandum of understanding between Finland and Israel, obtained by Yle, highlights a relationship built on "common values" and "shared interests." It notes that the partnership has "increased and developed into a unique partnership" in recent years. The cooperation includes a joint coordination group that convenes at least annually, and there are reportedly 23 active projects between Finnish and Israeli defense industries.
The groundwork for the renewal began in 2024, as the previous agreement was nearing its expiration. The extension through 2034 was confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
Finland's President Alexander Stubb's administration was involved in the quiet signing of the renewed agreement.
