Greece Deepens Security Ties with Israel Despite Turkish-Qatari Media Criticism
Turkish and Qatari-affiliated media outlets have launched a campaign portraying Greece's alliance with Israel as a burden, amid rising protests in Athens against Israeli policies. The London-based Middle East Eye, linked to Qatari funding and former Al-Jazeera officials, published a detailed article claiming that Greece's partnership with Israel faces significant domestic opposition. Turkish state media, including Anadolu Agency and TRT, echoed this narrative, highlighting anti-Israel demonstrations in Greece and framing the military cooperation as part of an anti-Turkish bloc.
Despite the media criticism and street protests, Greece is intensifying its security cooperation with Israel. In July 2026, Athens approved a major defense acquisition plan centered on Israel's "Achilles Shield" multi-layered defense system, valued between 2.8 and 3.1 billion euros. Greek officials reject the portrayal of anti-Israel protesters as representative of the entire population. Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis described the rioters as a "pathetic minority," reaffirmed Israel as a key ally, and encouraged Israeli tourism.
Economically, Israeli presence in Greece is notable but not dominant. Israeli buyers were the most active foreign group in the Attica and Thessaloniki real estate markets in 2025, according to RE/MAX data cited by Kathimerini. However, foreign investments also come from the UK, US, Turkey, and other European countries, and Greek economic media do not single out Israelis as the main cause of rising rents.
The article also clarifies a misinterpretation of a Pew survey cited by Middle East Eye. While 65% of Greeks hold a negative view of Israel, the survey did not measure opposition to the bilateral partnership, indicating a nuanced public opinion rather than outright rejection of the alliance. Greek and Israeli military leaders continue joint exercises, underscoring the strategic depth of their relationship despite external criticism and internal dissent.
