Military cooperation between Greece and Israel grows

Greece and Israel have deepened their military cooperation in recent years, signing a major arms deal in August 2026 worth three billion euros. This agreement includes an integrated air and missile defense system named "Achilles Shield," inspired by Israel's Iron Dome, designed to defend Greek territory from various threats.

New precision weapons agreement signed

In April 2026, Greece and Israel signed another agreement worth 656 million euros for the acquisition of precision rocket launch systems called Puls. These systems are developed by the Israeli company Elbit Systems and are intended to enhance Greece’s military capabilities.

Diplomatic and security ties with Cyprus

The growing military partnership between Greece and Israel is part of a broader regional shift. Over the past decade, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus have held annual trilateral summits, formalizing a security and military alliance. This collaboration is driven by shared concerns about Turkey's influence in the region.

Energy projects strengthen regional ties

Energy and hydrocarbon exploration have also played a role in Greece-Israel relations. Projects like the EastMed Gas Pipeline and the Great Sea Interconnection have been discussed for years. In June 2026, an Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center was inaugurated in a 3+1 format involving Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States.

Greece supports Israel amid international criticism

Greece has emerged as a key European supporter of Israel, particularly during international criticism of Israeli military actions in Palestine. In May 2026, Greece facilitated the disembarkation of 166 activists from the "Gaza Flotilla" after their arrest by Israeli forces, under a bilateral agreement. Some countries, including Turkey, raised concerns about the incident.

Israeli influence extends to Greek politics

Israeli influence in Greece has extended beyond military and energy sectors. In 2021, a phone tapping scandal involving Israeli-made Predator spyware led to the resignation of a senior Greek government official. An Athens court later convicted four individuals, with prosecutors suggesting possible foreign state involvement.

Pro-Israeli lobbying in Greece

The pro-Israeli lobby Elnet has been active in Greece, pushing for parliamentary alignment with Israeli interests. The Greece-Israel friendship group in parliament is the second largest, with 38 members. Israeli investments in Greece have reached record levels, estimated at 1.5 billion euros, spanning defense, energy, real estate, and tourism.

Israeli real estate investments spark local tensions

Israeli investments in Greek real estate have grown significantly, with Israeli buyers becoming the largest group of foreign property investors. However, these investments have led to social tensions in areas like Thessaloniki, Crete, and Lesbos, where local residents have opposed Israeli projects and raised concerns in parliament.