Greece to Deepen Security Ties with Israel Despite Turkish Opposition
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis confirmed that Athens will expand its strategic and security partnership with Israel despite Turkish opposition, emphasizing firm sovereign red lines in the Aegean.
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stated on Wednesday that his country intends to continue deepening its strategic and security cooperation with Israel, despite mounting opposition from Turkey. In an interview with SKAI television, Gerapetritis affirmed that Greece will maintain its partnership with Israel, noting that bilateral relations have provided significant added value, particularly in the fields of security and technology.
Gerapetritis emphasized that Israel possesses top-tier defense expertise and that security collaboration between the two nations has evolved considerably. When asked whether ties would continue to expand despite severe tensions between Israel and Turkey, he responded firmly that international alliances are not determined by the wishes of third countries.
Strategic Defense Ties and Regional Relations
Bilateral security relations between Athens and Jerusalem have strengthened significantly in recent years, encompassing joint military exercises, defense procurement, and air defense cooperation. Greece is currently advancing a multi-billion-euro air defense modernization program partially based on Israeli systems, amid ongoing geopolitical friction with Turkey.
Gerapetritis stressed that Athens' partnership with Israel does not come at the expense of its relations with Arab nations. He stated that Greece maintains robust strategic dialogues with the entire Arab world, highlighting that ties with Gulf states are stronger than ever alongside solid partnerships with Egypt, India, the United States, and the European Union.
Response to Turkish Escalation
A substantial portion of the interview addressed the renewed deterioration in relations with Turkey. Gerapetritis confirmed that a significant escalation in Ankara's rhetoric has been recorded recently, prompting Athens to brief EU institutions and member states. He warned that in the event of further deterioration, Greece may request practical solidarity from its allies.
«The only certain thing is that we will not determine our international alliances based on the desires of other countries. You can forget about that,» Gerapetritis declared.
Despite the friction, the Greek foreign minister sought to temper concerns regarding an immediate military confrontation, stating that channels of communication with Ankara remain open while Athens stays prepared for any scenario.
Red Lines in the Aegean
Gerapetritis outlined clear red lines regarding Ankara, asserting that Greece will never discuss issues concerning its sovereign rights, including Turkish demands regarding gray zones in the Aegean Sea and the demilitarization of Greek islands. He also dismissed the Turkish "Blue Homeland" doctrine as an expansionist theory devoid of historical basis, emphasizing that the era of passive endurance regarding Turkish demands has ended.
