Maariv: Israel’s Revenge on Erdoğan Begins—What’s Greece’s Role?

A report in the Israeli newspaper Maariv highlights steps Israel has begun taking to retaliate against Turkey.

According to the report, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen recently visited Greece on a brief trip to sign an agreement with his Greek counterpart to expand cooperation in energy sectors, particularly natural gas.

“The energy sector is a source of Israeli political strength,” said Cohen. “I’ve come to Greece on a short, seven-hour visit to strengthen ties between our countries in the fields of energy, especially natural gas, which is a strategic resource for Israel. This will enhance our standing as a regional energy power, boost the Israeli economy, and contribute to stability and prosperity in the Middle East.”

Security and Energy Cooperation

The visit comes against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Greece and Turkey, with closer security ties between Greece and Israel raising further stakes. Last month, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias presented a comprehensive plan to the Greek parliament for the development of a nationwide air defense system.

The $2 billion plan, implemented in collaboration with Israel, aims to establish defense capabilities against drones and bolster air defenses. It also includes a broad military reform initiative to close ineffective military bases and improve defensive readiness, according to the report.

Dr. Shay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak, an international relations expert at Tel Aviv University, explained, “Turkey perceives growing cooperation between Greece and Israel as a direct threat. Joint security projects, such as the ‘Greek Iron Dome,’ deeply concern Ankara.”

Turkey’s Reaction

Turkey has responded swiftly, with its media outlets criticizing the developments. The Turkish newspaper Takvim described the plan as a “defense alliance against Turkey.” Meanwhile, Yeni Şafak, a pro-government publication, claimed that Greece is bolstering its defense out of fear of Turkey’s growing power.

Another Turkish newspaper, Sabah, devoted significant coverage to Greece’s plans to restructure its armed forces. The report also mentioned previous warnings from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who alleged, “Israel will extend its ambitions toward Turkey after Palestine and Lebanon.”

Erdoğan recently announced that Turkey is developing its own air defense system, dubbed the “Steel Dome.” “If they have an Iron Dome, we have a Steel Dome,” he declared, emphasizing Turkey’s readiness to respond to any perceived threats.

A New Regional Reality

At the same time, Greece appears to align itself with the European approach to handling Syrian refugees. Following Austria’s recent decision to freeze asylum applications for Syrians and review cases where refugee status was previously granted, Greece, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have adopted similar stances.

The growing cooperation between Israel and Greece, alongside tensions with Turkey, signals a shifting dynamic in the region. While Israel strengthens its role as a regional power, the surrounding tensions suggest that lasting stability remains elusive.

Expanding Regional Energy Infrastructure

Energy Minister Eli Cohen described the agreement with Greece as strategically significant for both nations. “We agreed to accelerate the undersea electricity cable that will link Israel to Europe’s power grid. We also discussed enhancing trade corridors and energy infrastructure connecting Asia to Europe via the Gulf states, Israel, and Greece,” Cohen said.

“This cooperation will diversify Europe’s energy sources, contribute to stability and prosperity in the Middle East, and bolster energy security for both regions. It positions Israel as a bridge between East and West and enhances our status as a regional energy power. I thank my friend, Greek Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis, for this collaboration. Together, we will continue working for Israel, Greece, and the entire region.”

Greek Energy Minister Skylakakis echoed these sentiments, describing the agreement as a “turning point” in Greek-Israeli energy cooperation. “This agreement holds great promise for both nations as we face the challenges and impacts of the climate crisis. The planned ‘green electricity corridor’ from Israel to the European Union via Greece is a strategic project for our region and beyond.”