Greece Prepares to Renew Israel Power Cable Project Amid Turkish Threats
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Greece is moving forward with the "Interconnector" project to lay a subsea power cable connecting its grid to Cyprus and Israel, despite Turkish objections. Turkey views the planned route as infringing on its maritime claims under the "Blue Homeland" doctrine. The project has faced previous delays due to Turkish threats, but Greece, bolstered by recent defense deals with Israel and international support, appears more resolute. The situation has led to competing maritime declarations between Greece and Turkey, highlighting escalating regional tensions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Greece is preparing to resume work on a subsea power cable project connecting its grid to Cyprus and Israel.
- Turkey objects to the project, viewing the planned route as violating its maritime claims under the "Blue Homeland" doctrine.
- Greece has become more resolute due to recent defense acquisitions from Israel and international support.
- Competing maritime declarations have been issued by Greece and Turkey in the region south of Crete.
- The project is considered strategically vital for Israel's energy security and redundancy.
Greece is preparing to resume work on the "Interconnector" project, a high-voltage subsea power cable designed to connect its electricity grid with Cyprus and Israel. As part of this preparation, the French vessel "Abeille Maringo" is expected to conduct maritime surveys soon. However, this move could create a new point of contention with Turkey, which has conflicting maritime border claims with Greece and Cyprus.
The potential for conflict is heightened by the fact that the planned cable route passes through an area Turkey considers part of its maritime zone under a 2019 agreement with Libya, a key element of Turkey's "Blue Homeland" doctrine. This doctrine aims to assert Turkish control in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey's opposition stems from this strategic disagreement, as the Interconnector project is considered vital for Israel's energy security and redundancy, especially in light of potential threats to infrastructure.
This is not the first time Turkey has challenged the project. About 18 months ago, Greece postponed cable-laying operations after Turkey threatened to cut the cables, opting to avoid a military confrontation. However, Greece's recent significant defense acquisitions from Israel have seemingly bolstered its resolve, making Athens appear more determined this time.
The tension has manifested in recent maritime declarations. Greece announced a closed sea area south of Crete for a military exercise involving Cyprus, France, and Italy. Turkey responded with a counter-NAVTEX declaration for the same area, which it views as under its control. Experts explain that NAVTEX warnings are issued to alert sailors to stay clear of military activities that could pose a risk to vessels.
Greece, supported by the European Union and potentially the United States and France, feels it has legal backing under the Law of the Sea and sees no reason to back down. France has a financial interest in the project through its companies involved in the venture. Experts suggest that Israel should also invest financially in the connection, viewing it as a crucial asset with higher feasibility than the canceled EastMed gas pipeline, particularly for energy security and redundancy.
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