Protect undersea cables: How Israel can lead global digital revolution

Throughout history, control over communication lines has been a key factor in military strategy. Britain, for example, during World War I, severed Germany’s undersea telegraph cables, forcing German communications onto routes that could be intercepted and decoded. A similar strategy was used during World War II to monitor and disrupt Axis communications.

Today, beneath the surface of the world’s oceans, a vast network of undersea cables silently carries over 95% of global data traffic. From financial transactions and corporate communications to national security intelligence and everyday Internet browsing, modern society is critically dependent on these fiber-optic arteries. However, while these cables are the backbone of global connectivity, they are also increasingly becoming the target of geopolitical struggles. Recent incidents in Northern Europe have underscored the vulnerability of undersea infrastructure, raising critical questions about national security and economic stability. As countries grapple with these challenges, Israel must recognize both the risks and the opportunities inherent in securing and expanding its role in global digital infrastructure.

Northern Europe’s recent cable disruptions

The Baltic and North Sea regions have witnessed a string of undersea cable disruptions in recent years, fueling concerns about sabotage. In recent months, there have been several incidents involving damage to submarine cables:

Estlink 2 power cable disruption: On December 25, 2024, the Estlink 2 submarine power cable connecting Estonia and Finland experienced a sudden failure, reducing cross-border electricity capacity from 1,016 MW to 358 MW. Finnish authorities suspect that the oil tanker Eagle S, believed to be part of the Russian shadow fleet, intentionally caused the damage by dragging its anchor over the cable.
February 2025 – Swedish investigation into Baltic Sea cable damage: On February 21, 2025, Sweden initiated an investigation into possible sabotage after detecting damage to a submarine cable near the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. The cable connects Finland and Germany, and the Swedish authorities are treating the incident as potential sabotage, reflecting heightened concerns over the security of critical infrastructure in the region.
The Finland-Germany cable disruption (November 2024): The C-Lion1 cable, a vital communication link between Finland and Germany, suffered a severe break, leading to major disruptions in data transmission. Initial investigations pointed to accidental damage caused by commercial vessels, but intelligence reports suggested possible intentional interference.

These incidents have raised significant concerns about the security of undersea infrastructure, prompting NATO to enhance surveillance and protection measures in the Baltic Sea.

A world map of submarine communications cables, 2015. (credit: Cablemap.info/Wikimedia Commons)

A strategic target

The increasing focus on undersea cables as a potential battleground is driven by several key factors:

Global dependence on digital connectivity: The world’s economy and daily communications are more reliant than ever on the seamless transfer of data and digital information. Interruptions to undersea cables can have devastating effects on financial markets, global trade, and even national security operations.
Low-risk, high-impact disruptions: Unlike traditional military confrontations, tampering with undersea cables provides adversaries with a means of waging asymmetric warfare – disrupting critical infrastructure without engaging in direct, conventional conflict.
The intelligence-gathering advantage: Beyond outright sabotage, states have been accused of tapping into undersea cables to intercept sensitive communications and gain a strategic edge over adversaries.
Economic coercion and cyber warfare: States and non-state actors are increasingly looking at undersea cables as a method of economic coercion, using disruptions to destabilize economies or gain leverage in geopolitical negotiations.

The threat of cable disruptions in the Red Sea

Recent reports suggest that non-state actors, such as the Houthi rebels in Yemen, have considered targeting undersea cables in the Red Sea – one of the most critical passageways for global data traffic. The implications of such an attack would be profound, potentially severing vital connections between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This raises pressing security concerns for Israel, given its strategic geographic position and increasing reliance on secure, high-speed data connectivity.

The Red Sea as a global data Chokepoint: The Red Sea is home to multiple strategic undersea cables that link Europe and Asia. Disruptions in this region could impact not only regional actors but also major global players such as China, the US, and the EU, as well as hyperscalers such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.
Terrorist organizations and rogue states: The increasing involvement of rogue states and terrorist groups in cyber and infrastructure warfare means that Israel and its allies must take proactive measures to prevent such attacks.
The impact on global financial markets: With a substantial portion of global financial transactions depending on uninterrupted data flow, a targeted attack on undersea cables could have catastrophic effects on stock markets, banking systems, and economic stability.

Lessons for Israel

Israel, especially in the aftermath of October 7, must look around and realize that the nature of war is constantly evolving in front of our eyes. Therefore, while striving to advance and lay more undersea cables to bolster its highly developed technological sector, Israel must understand that it has to simultaneously safeguard, protect, and continuously develop this field to ensure that it remains secure and resilient.

Assessing and securing existing infrastructure: A comprehensive assessment of Israel’s existing undersea cable network is essential to identify weak points and develop contingency plans in the event of disruptions.
Enhancing cyber and physical security measures: Strengthening both cyber defenses and physical monitoring of undersea cables will be critical in deterring potential attacks or unauthorized interventions.
Developing backup communication strategies: In the event of cable disruptions, alternative connectivity solutions – such as satellite communications – must be in place to ensure national and economic resilience.
International collaboration on security standards: Israel should work closely with global partners to establish stronger security protocols for undersea cable networks.
Redundant infrastructure development: Developing additional cable routes and redundancy systems will minimize the risk of a single point of failure disrupting national and international connectivity.

An opportunity for Israel

Amid these challenges, Israel has a unique opportunity to position itself as a pivotal player in global digital infrastructure. Even during the recent conflict, Israel maintained relative stability in its relations with Egypt and Jordan, largely due to the energy and water supplies it provides to them. The same logic applies to regional connectivity: If neighboring countries rely on Israel as a key transit point for their digital communications, it would create a powerful geopolitical advantage. Strengthening Israel as a technology hub also means developing a robust maritime infrastructure.

Let’s go even further. If Saudi Arabia chooses to route its data through Israel, it could act as a stabilizing factor, making it less likely that adversarial forces would seek to disrupt it. This connectivity would not only boost economic and technological ties but also reinforce Israel’s strategic importance in the region.

However, in order to be a regional hub, Israel must follow some key steps:

Expand cable networks: Investing in new undersea and terrestrial cables can enhance Israel’s role as a regional digital hub, linking Europe, Asia, and Africa. This would not only improve national security but also attract global tech investments and partnerships.
Strengthen diplomatic and economic alliances: By spearheading initiatives to develop secure and resilient digital corridors, Israel can foster stronger diplomatic ties with countries that share common security concerns, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.
Leverage technological expertise: Israel’s advanced capabilities in cybersecurity, AI, and telecommunications infrastructure can be leveraged to develop innovative solutions that enhance the security and efficiency of undersea cable networks.
Cooperate with the private sector: The Israeli government should work closely with major technology firms to build robust and redundant infrastructure that can withstand both natural and human-made threats.
Become a data sovereignty leader: By ensuring secure, independent digital infrastructure, Israel can reduce reliance on external networks and protect sensitive data from potential adversarial surveillance or disruption.

Undersea cables are no longer just silent facilitators of global connectivity – they have become critical assets in modern geopolitical struggles. Recent events in Northern Europe and the looming threats in the Red Sea highlight the need for greater security and strategic planning. For Israel, the challenge is twofold: to protect its undersea infrastructure; and to seize the opportunity to become a leader in digital connectivity. By taking decisive action, Israel can safeguard its economic and national security interests while positioning itself at the forefront of the global digital revolution.■

Tom Koren is the CEO of Exelera Group, the only fully Israeli-owned subsea cable operator and provider of international digital infrastructure.