Finland renews decade-long defence pact with Israel amid left-wing criticism
Finland has quietly extended its defence cooperation agreement with Israel for another ten years, prompting sharp rebuke from left-wing parties.
Finland and Israel have finalized a new ten-year defence memorandum, extending a partnership that began in 2013 and was previously renewed in 2019. The agreement, concluded without a press release from the Finnish defence ministry, focuses on collaborative research, development and procurement of military hardware. Left-wing opposition leaders, including Green League chair Sofia Virta and Left Alliance chair Minja Koskela, condemned the extension as a "historic shame" and criticized the government's silence.
Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen countered that the pact is standard practice, noting Finland maintains similar documents with about 40 nations. The memorandum, effective through 2034, cites shared values and interests, establishes an annual joint coordination group, and mentions 23 active projects with Israel's defence industry.
Why it matters
The deal deepens Finland's military ties with Israel, sparking domestic political controversy over foreign policy direction.
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