Greece Deepens Security Ties With Israel, Defying Turkish Pressure

Greece has affirmed its commitment to expanding security cooperation with Israel, signaling a strengthened alliance despite potential objections from Turkey. Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stated that Athens will not dictate its international alliances based on the desires of other nations, emphasizing that "one can forget about that."

Gerapetritis highlighted Israel's "very high-level security knowledge" and noted the significant development in bilateral security cooperation. He asserted that Greece maintains the right and ability to engage in strategic dialogue with the entire Arab world, ensuring that its relationship with Israel does not negatively impact its ties with Arab nations. Greece's relationships with Gulf states are described as "better than ever," with strong connections also existing with Egypt, India, the United States, and the European Union.

The minister acknowledged a recent "significant escalation" in Turkey's positions, which Athens has already communicated to EU institutions and member states' foreign ministers. He warned that Greece might seek "practical solidarity" from its allies if the situation worsens but downplayed immediate fears of military confrontation, stating, "We are prepared for any eventuality. I do not fear a hot incident."

Gerapetritis outlined clear red lines for Ankara, stating Greece will "never discuss issues concerning its sovereignty," including Turkish demands regarding "grey zones" in the Aegean Sea and the demilitarization of Greek islands. He criticized Turkey's "Blue Homeland" doctrine as a "baseless and expansionist historical theory" and declared that "the era of passive confrontation with Turkish demands is gone forever."