German-made Israeli subs carry nuclear missiles.

Der Spiegel’s attention-getting cover article this week announced that Germany developed and built submarines for Israel, along with nuclear-capable cruise missiles (June 4, 2012).  Germany has supplied Israel with three subs at a substantial discount—thus helping the Israelis pay for the subs.  Three more are scheduled to be delivered to Israel in the next five years, and there are talks about ordering three more.  The next generation craft, set to be delivered in early 2013, will have a new fuel cell that allows for quiet submersion for up to 18 days (ibid.).

Israel views these subs and their nuclear payload as “insurance” against attack from its Arab neighbors.  German leaders have long supported the existence of the Israeli state. The Financial Times Deutschland recently wrote: “None of the major German political parties have fundamentally criticized supplying weapons to Israel… After all, no serious politician would claim that Israel’s security and existence is not in Germany’s interests… for historical reasons, naturally, but also for geopolitical ones… And if the state of Israel considers submarines to be necessary for its protection, then Berlin has little reason to contradict it” (quoted in Der Spiegel, June 5, 2012).

Bible prophecy indicates that a German-led European Beast power will play a major role in end-time prophecy (Isaiah 10:5-11; Ezekiel 23:22-25; Revelation 17:11-13).  This Beast power may initially protect Israel and Jerusalem, but will eventually control this pivotal city (Luke 21:21-24; Daniel 11:40-43).  Germany appears to be moving into a position to fulfill these prophecies.

For more information on this topic, review our booklet: The Middle East in Prophecy.