What’s Next for Israel and Greece?

Israel and Greece are steadily cementing their partnership. On 31 January 2023, Nikos Dendias became the first Minister of Foreign Affairs of a member state of the European Union to visit Jerusalem since the formation of the new Israeli government. Greece could be a valuable partner for Israel at the European level as long as multidimensional Israeli-European conversations progress. Greek-Israeli economic and defense cooperation is expanding in tandem,

The Greek Defense Industry in the 21st Century: Hope at Last?

Greece is not generally considered a country with a burgeoning defense industry, but 2020-21 saw it execute a remarkable turnaround.

Turkey’s New Moves in the Eastern Mediterranean

In July 2021, Israel expressed full support to the Republic of Cyprus in the wake of the unilateral reopening of the Varosha coastline by Turkey. Last year, it also showed solidarity with Athens during Greek-Turkish tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. While the tripartite partnership is progressing, Ankara is seeking to expand its footprint in the region and is pursuing a two-state solution in Cyprus. It is also applying a new foreign policy methodology to Greece while remaining adamant in its demands.

The Hellenic Countries Are Integrating Into the Middle East

A lack of EU support against Turkey, as well as continued unfair economic policies, has seen Cyprus and Greece move away from Brussels and toward the Middle East.

Turkey vs. the West: A Tug of War Beyond the Aegean

The recent escalation of tensions in the Aegean has the potential to strengthen the political bond between Greece and its Western allies, as well as force the EU to shift from threatening sanctions on Turkey to actually imposing them. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will try to keep tensions high enough to present a heroic front to his Islamist/nationalist base but not high enough to trigger EU sanctions.

Greek Deterrence of Turkey: Living to Fight Another Day

Greece is facing a serious security challenge from Turkey, a fellow NATO country. The recent deterioration of bilateral relations has generated suspicion and distrust in Athens. The upcoming exploratory talks are bound to fail. The Greek deterrence strategy is shifting significantly because the possibility of conflict is growing.

7 + 3: Greece As Part of a Mediterranean Bloc

Rauf Baker
October 1, 2020
Paper No. 1766

Given the historical ties of Athens with Middle Eastern countries, Greece is an ideal candidate to play a pivotal role in a Mediterranean bloc to include Israel, Gulf States, and European countries with the object of repelling Turkey's expansionist ambitions. The participation of Greece could help the region reach its economic and political potential amid the dispute over local energy reserves.

The Dangerous Waters of the Mediterranean

The national agendas of Greece and Turkey continue to clash in the Mediterranean. Even if Turkey discontinues its explorations south of the Greek island of Kastelorizo in the medium term, it will be difficult for the two to conduct a productive bilateral dialogue. The European idea of a multilateral summit of all Eastern Mediterranean countries is more promising, but not yet concrete. Israel supports the right of Greece to delimit its continental shelf and favors regional cooperation as a member of the East Med Gas Forum (EMGF), but understands that as matters stand, the possibility of a breakthrough is limited.

Now Is the Time for the US to Revive the Cypriot Peace Talks

In order to counter Ankara’s aggression in the eastern Mediterranean and disrupt its plans to dominate Cyprus, the US should make a peace deal on the island a top regional priority for 2021.

Can Israel, Greece, and Turkey Cooperate?

The recent visit of Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Israel was highly symbolic. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the two countries. It may well be possible for Jerusalem and Athens to cooperate with Turkey, though doing so will require all parties to be realistic about what is possible right now in view of the current state of relations with Ankara.