For Israel, Greece is more than a friend - it is a strategic partner - opinion

An opinion piece by David Ben-Basat argues that Greece is a strategic partner for Israel, not merely a friend. It highlights defense deals, joint military exercises, and diplomatic ties, praising Greek solidarity after the October 2023 Hamas attack and the work of Ambassador Maya Solomou, while acknowledging Athens maintains independent positions and has criticized Israel.

An opinion piece by David Ben-Basat argues that Greece is a strategic partner for Israel, not merely a friend. The article highlights the depth of bilateral relations, including a defense deal worth over NIS 10 billion signed in August 2026, joint military exercises, and the Elbit Systems flight training center in Kalamata. It praises Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's visit to Israel after the October 2023 Hamas attack and the work of Greek Ambassador Maya Solomou. The piece also notes tourism cooperation, energy connectivity projects, and the trilateral partnership with Cyprus and the US as a counterweight to Turkey and Iran. The author acknowledges that Greece maintains independent positions and has criticized Israel, but argues this does not diminish the relationship's importance.