From Hostility to Alliance: How Greece and Cyprus Shifted Toward Israel
Greece has transformed from one of Europe's most hostile nations toward Israel into a key strategic ally, driven by shifting geopolitical alliances and a dramatic decrease in public antisemitism.
A Historic Shift in Greece
Over the weekend, tens of thousands of subscribers to Kathimerini, Greece's most widely read newspaper, found a Greek translation of Daniel Sokatch's book "Let's Talk About Israel" delivered to their doorsteps. This timing is far from accidental, reflecting a profound and growing interest in Israel, particularly among the Greek right wing. Greece was historically one of the most hostile European nations toward Israel, being the last Western bloc country to establish full diplomatic relations in 1990.
For decades, Athens heavily backed Arab states and the PLO, even hosting Yasser Arafat in 1982. A 2019 ADL survey showed that 67% of Greeks held antisemitic views. However, a massive transformation began following the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, which estranged Israel from Turkey and fostered a strategic alliance between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus.
Political Realignment and Public Opinion
This security partnership gradually reshaped public perception. A 2025 ADL survey revealed a nearly 20% drop in antisemitic attitudes in Greece, with local polls indicating a 33.5% decrease in hostility on the right between 2019 and 2022. A March PEW survey showed that the Greek right is now the most pro-Israel political camp among surveyed nations, boasting 45% support.
"Public opinion in our country has shifted dramatically in a pro-Israel direction," noted Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis.
Immigration Minister Thanos Plevris similarly declared that Israel's war against terror is the battle of the entire Western world. Both figures have notable pasts—Georgiadis emerged from a far-right party with an antisemitic history, and Plevris is the son of a notorious Holocaust denier—yet both have completely distanced themselves from those former views.
Regional Resistance and Strategic Ties
While a similar pro-Israel realignment occurs in Cyprus, the far-left in both nations remains fiercely opposed. Greek communists demand the severance of ties, and former Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis warns against alleged lobbying influence. Despite these dissenting voices, mainstream public opinion continues to embrace the partnership. A July survey showed that 42.2% of Greeks view Israel as an ally, second only to France, solidifying a remarkable geopolitical transformation.
